What To Do Before, During and After Water Damage

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

We cannot control Mother Nature; when she hits Philadelphia, we need to make sure we are ready to go for whatever damage she leaves behind. We can’t control the weather but we can control what we do to prepare for the before, during and after water damage.

Here are the things you should do before, during and after water damage to make the remediation process easy for you.

BEFORE:

• Make a list of all the things you own; furniture, clothing, valuables
• Fill out a Family Emergency Plan (list of all emergency contacts), or if you are a business owner/property owner - fill out our Emergency Ready Plan
• Have a To-Go Bag that you can grab if you are rushing out in a hurry
• Be aware of what your insurance company covers when damage unexpectedly hits your home or business.

DURING:

• Turn off water valves and electricity circuits 
• Call you insurance company to file a claim
• Stay away from any flood water whether it’s from a storm or a leaking pipe. You’re unfamiliar with where the water came from.
• Call SERVPRO of Society Hill, give them the insurance claim number. After communicating with the insurance company, our crews will be dispatched out to your home to assess the situation and discuss next steps.

AFTER:

• Depending on the damage will determine what happens after the damage is assessed by our professionals. We take pride in making sure the water damage remediation process is as smooth as possible for our customers. 

Flooding is the most common U.S. natural disaster, and Pennsylvania has the highest flooding rate of any state.

If your home or business is suffering from water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Society Hill now at 215-772-1203.

SERVPRO Host The First Responders College Bowl Game

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year! Football season is upon us and SERVPRO hosts The First Responders College Bowl Game on December 27th in Dallas, Tx. SERVPRO takes pride in supporting their local first responders and SERVPRO of Society Hill is proud to be a part of that initiative. 

SERVPRO has been sponsoring the bowl game since 2014 and has given our franchises the opportunity to honor local first responders on a national level. Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO, said, “The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is one way we celebrate these dedicated first responders and their families as the hometown heroes they are.” 

Each franchise will nominate a local first responder to be considered for special recognition at this year's game. One nominee will be selected to experience an all-expenses-paid trip to the game where they will be presented with an award. 

The SERVPRO First Responders Bowl also has a virtual Everyday Heroes Wall that honors these courageous people in our community. If you know someone who has committed to risking their lives every day, view the Everyday Heroes Wall page to submit a photo of your frontline hero!

PA Launches Flood Zone Mobile Tool

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States so it is super important to know your local flood zones. Do you know if you are residing in a floodplain? If not, you're in luck! 

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency recently released a mobile tool to help residents learn more about their flood risks. PEMA released this tool to allow all data released from FEMA to translate into an all-access application. Residents can use this tool via their desktop computer, mobile phone, Ipad, etc. 

If you are living in a low-lying area, expect flooding after excessive rain storms. This area of land is called a floodplain. There are four common types of flooding:

1. Riverine floods occur when excessive rain overwhelms water streams which leads to runoff flooding into the adjacent lower leveled areas. According to PEMA, areas in Philadelphia most impacted by this type of flood include, Eastwick, Manayunk, East Falls, Delaware Avenue, Kelly Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and watershed parks.
2. Overland and street runoff occurs when excessive rain flows across roads and streets. This tends to happen when sewers are unable to handle the volume. Areas in Philadelphia most impacted by this type of flooding include Chestnut Hill, Roxborough, Andorra, Germantown, Torresdale.
3. Groundwater occurs when the ground is saturated with flood water and it ends up seeping through floods and walls of building structure basements. Areas mostly will impact exists citywide, but ultimately will depend on rainfall and snow melt.
4. Basement backups occur when underground sewer systems are overwhelmed by excessive rainfall. The overwhelming amount of rain and sewage gets forced into basements through drains, sinks or toilets. If you live in Germantown, Kensington, Northern Liberties. Center City, South Philadelphia and Port Richmond, you may experience this type of flooding. 

To learn more about your local flood zones, click here to access the flood risk tool! If you are suffering from damage after a storm/flood surge, call SERVPRO of Society Hill now for water damage restoration services at 215-772-1203. 

4 Tips To Finding Household Water Leaks

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that the average household leak can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water waste every year, and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more a day? MIND BLOWN!

Consider these 4 tips for finding household leaks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency:

1. Have you taken a look at your water bill recently? If not, it’s time to see how much water you and your family are using per month. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons, there is a serious leak somewhere.

2. Check your water meter first, then one or two hours later after not using any water. If the number has moved then you have a leak somewhere.

3. Dye test in your toilet! Drop food coloring into your toilet tank and if any color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Immediately flush to avoid staining the tank.

4. Call the water restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill to help!

Our team recently got a call of a water leak from the top floor to the lower level. Once our crew got in there, they quickly realized the caulking around the shower was deteriorating, which caused water to leak onto the floor when used.

If you are experiencing leaking in your home or property, call us today for an estimate!

5 Common Causes of Kitchen Fires

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

This unattended stove caused a fire in an apartment in Philadelphia, PA

We’ve all been there before. Half of your attention is on making food and the other half is worrying about a completely different task. Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. According to the NFPA, between 2015-2019, cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths, and 42 percent of home fire injuries.

Here are five common causes of kitchen fires.

1. Leaving cooking unattended.
2. Frying with oil. Oil can be tricky because oil gets very hot, very quickly. Once you see signs of smoke emanating from the liquid and a strong smell, be prepared for a fire to ignite, though it may take several minutes before it begins to burn. 
3. Setting the cooking temperature too high. Philadelphians are known for their impatient behaviors, so it's common for people to put their cooking temps too high to speed up the process. But according to the home improvement experts, it’s extremely dangerous to do this.
4. Loose fitting clothing. For those who grew up during the 90s, you remember from the famous scene from the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire, where she leans over the stove and her blouse catches on fire. Did we just show our age?
5. Flammable compounds left near an open flame or other heating materials. SERVPRO of Society Hill was recently called in by the property manager of an apartment building. One of the units on the ninth floor went up in flames when a flammable object was left onto a hot stove.

Any one of these things can happen in the blink of an eye. Be aware of your surroundings and try to keep your full attention while in the kitchen.

Electrical Fire at Jim's Steaks in Philadelphia, PA

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

First responders quickly try to contain flames at Jim's Steaks on South St. in Philadelphia.

If you are a true Philadelphian, you know cheesesteaks are a staple in our city and they need to be protected at all times.

     So when the famously known Jim’s Steaks on South St. went up in flames last Friday morning - the city was in a panic. Our team was quickly on the scene to assess the situation along with 125 first responders. 

     According to Action News, the fire is believed to have started in the electrical system. Employee Christina Lawlor knew something was up when she opened for the day and realized how hot it was inside.

     When the owner, Ken Silver, entered the building two days later, he feared the damage was a lot worse than it actually was. According to the fire department, the blaze was difficult to put out because the flames were moving rapidly through the HVAC system.

     Silver credited the fire department, who remained on the scene for 10 hours. After city officials searched the century old building, it was determined that the building is structurally sound, bumping up the timeline of rebuilding.

     The staff is determined to start rebuilding as soon as they are allowed to by city officials. He is anticipating reopening by Memorial Day 2023. 

     Jim’s Steaks celebrated their 46th year anniversary in the beginning of July and while this will set them back a year, the city is rallying behind the locally famous cheesesteak joint. 

WHY SERVPRO? | Operations Manager Sean Tells Us Why

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

In order to go into big mold restoration jobs or biohazard sites, you must have one of two things, one: a strong stomach and two: experience. Our operations manager, Sean Sormilichhas both!

Sormilich has more than 10 years of experience in the industry and with SERVPRO specifically. He runs all day to day operations while assisting on larger losses, program work uploads and estimates.

Being in this type of industry for as long as Sormilich has, you can imagine he’s seen some pretty crazy losses. He has traveled all over the area for our storm team, helping people during hurricanes and flash floods. Making a difference in other’s lives from the moment they call in a panic, to the property being put back together, is what Sean loves the most about working for SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Society Hill is equipped with a ton of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry. Along with our staff having experience, our equipment is the best in the business and is a huge advantage when it comes to picking a local restoration company.

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill takes pride in building rapport, trust and strong relationships with property owners in their communities. This is why we are known for being, “faster to any disaster.” When disaster strikes, you better believe SERVPRO is there first to clean up the mess!

With SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This program includes, a free assessment of your facility, customized property profile, guides on how-to return to the office after a disaster, easier insurance claims process, and more.

Our crew is available 24/7 to respond to any type of emergency, small or big and we take our work very seriously. Once our team gets the call, we make it a high priority to get to the site as soon as possible. Our crew works diligently to get your business back up and running with a quick turnaround time.

If you are looking to improve your company emergency response plan or procedures, SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan is your answer!

WHY SERVPRO? | 2022 SERVPRO Convention in Dallas, TX

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

2021 Convention

Six days until the Annual SERVPRO Convention in Dallas, TX! All of our franchise owners get together to learn how to enhance their businesses. From learning critical management skills to new SERVPRO cleaning products, these owners will learn all the in's and out's of building a profitable and sustainable business to serve their customers.

Aside from attending workshops and forums, owners will have the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament that will benefit our brand partner, First Responder's Children's Foundation. Last year, SERVPRO launch a relationship with FRCF by donating $100,000 to help support their mission.

SERVPRO of Society Hill recently transitioned over to new management and we are excited to grow as a franchise after this year's convention!

It's Grilling Season!

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

It's barbecue season and you know what that means - more outdoor grilling with friends and family.

Here are some tips from the Philadelphia Fire Department on how to stay safe while grilling.

1. Keep the grill 10 feet away from wood railings, siding & never under loose branches or trees. Also keep a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and walkways
2. Keep matches, lighters and starter fluid out of reach from children.
3. Children should never be allowed to use outdoor cooking equipment. Pets also should be kept away from the cooking area.
4. It's very important to keep your grill clean. Grease/fat can catch on fire quickly.
5. Turn off valves while not in use and never leave the grill unattended.

To learn more about safety tips on grilling, click here to visit the Philadelphia Fire Department website. 

If you are in need of fire damage clean up, SERVPRO of Society Hill has your back! Call us at 215-772-1203.

A Sewage Backup Disaster | SERVPRO Cares

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

"They are a GREAT team to call during your homeowner’s despair."

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, customer care is our priority. We understand how upsetting property damage can be. That's why it's so important to us to let customers know their home is safe in our hands.

We recently performed a sewage backup cleanup at a home in Philadelphia. Here's what our customer Doreen had to say:

"SERVPRO helped me at a time I was despondent - I had a sewer backup in my house and I was so traumatized I didn’t know what to do. I called them and within an hour their techs were at my house. They calmed me down (first) and then completely cleaned the disaster. It was a serious hazmat situation and their techs were cheerful and professional. They mitigated the situation within a few hours and left dehumidifiers, fans, and most importantly, air purifier machines running in my house for several days. They checked back at my house each day to inspect their mitigation, and they were GREAT! Highly recommend! They are a GREAT team to call during your homeowner’s despair. Don’t know what I’d have done without them." - Doreen T.

How Fast Can Mold Grow After Water Damage?

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

The rate at which mold grows depends on several factors.

Mold is a natural and essential aspect of our biological environment. However, it can also present a hazard when spores attach to a damp surface and begin to colonize.

Mold “colonies” can grow on just about any organic material once it has been saturated, including many materials commonly found inside the home. Commonly affected surfaces include wood, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, cardboard, carpets, drywall, fabric, and insulation.

Typically, mold will thrive in any area that is damp, dark, and warm. The rate at which it grows depends on several factors, including surface, temperature, humidity, and mold species. According to the EPA and the CDC, a general rule of thumb is that mold can start to develop on surfaces within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. 

Even minor water damage can quickly turn into an aggressive mold infestation if left untreated. You should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill immediately if you suspect your property may be at risk. 

Storm-related Water Damage | Are you covered?

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Supplemental policies can offer extended coverage.

As a homeowner, you can take steps to protect your home from the unexpected, but you can’t control what the weather throws your way. Storms are unpredictable and can cause costly damage to your property. Homeowner’s insurance can lessen the challenge of repairing your home after a storm. It is important to remember that coverage varies by policy. 

Most homeowners insurance policies only cover certain types of water damage. Coverage depends on how the water got inside your home. 

Water damage that originates inside your home or from a storm-created opening is usually covered by home insurance. Examples may include:

• An overflowing washing machine 
• A burst interior pipe
• Rainwater that enters your home through openings created by storm winds

Unfortunately, home insurance usually does not cover water damage originating from outside the home. Examples may include:

• Floodwater 
• A broken water main
• Water that enters your home through manufactured openings

Supplemental policies can offer extended coverage. Property owners residing in high-risk flood zones may want to consider adding supplemental flood insurance.

In the event of storm damage, you can rest assured that SERVPRO professionals will work closely with your insurance company to safely restore your home.

How to Respond to a Power Outage | SERVPRO Safety Tips

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Report any fallen power lines. Don’t touch or go near any downed lines.

Gusty Summer storms are known to take down power lines. If you experience a power outage, here’s how to respond safely: 

• Find out whether the power outage is only within your home or if it's affecting others in your community so you can make the most effective plan of action.
• If the power outage was the result of a storm or other natural disaster, check your property for damage. Report any fallen power lines. Don’t touch or go near any downed lines.
• Unplug any sensitive devices and electronics to avoid power surge damage once the power is restored.
• Leave one light plugged in with the switch on so that you can tell when the power is restored.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible so your food stays cold.
• Candles pose a fire hazard. Use battery-powered lights instead.
• Don’t use any water-damaged electrical outlets, appliances, or circuit breaker boxes until they’ve been checked by a professional.
• Avoid electrical shocks from flooded basements or rooms.

The professionals at SERVPRO have helped homeowners recover from storm damage for more than 50 years. Call 1-800-SERVPRO for immediate assistance.

Dos and Don'ts | Sewage Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage should be carefully cleanup up by an expert cleaning company.

Water contaminated by sewage contains a variety of bacteria, viruses, and germs. Contact with sewage or surfaces contaminated by sewage should be avoided.

SERVPRO has more than 50 years of experience in safe sewage cleanup. With that in mind, here are the Dos and Don’ts of responding to sewage damage:

Do:

Shut off the electricity or gas.  If you don't have access to shut off the gas line, call your utility company and explain the situation. They can guide you on how to turn off the gas, or may do it for you. If the sewage or water is standing between you and your shut-offs, wait for a professional to step in.

Contact a septic company or plumber. It is critical to identify the source of the backup quickly. A plumber should begin repairing the issue as soon as possible.

Contact your insurance company. Professional cleanup & restoration companies work closely with insurance providers. You’ll want to contact your provider immediately to file a claim. Take down your claim number so you can provide it to a SERVPRO team member later. 

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO. Call 1-800-SERVPRO to get connected with your nearest locally-operated SERVPRO. With more than 1,900 locations across the United States, there's sure to be a SERVPRO in your neighborhood!

Ventilate the area. If possible, open windows to encourage air to flow through your home. This may help slow mold growth by drying the area as much as possible before a SERVPRO team arrives.

Go to a safe area. Evacuate people and pets away from the home. Keep everyone away until the area has been restored.

Take pictures of the damaged area and contents. You can do this by yourself or with your insurance claim agent after the area has been deemed safe to enter. Pictures should include the damaged area, the source of the sewage backup, any damaged personal possessions, and structural damage.

Don’t

Don’t touch anything. Avoid skin contact with any sewage or sewer water. Remember, get everyone out of your home as quickly as possible.

Don’t eat or drink anything exposed to the sewer water. No one in your home should use toilets or sinks connected to the sewage lines. Don’t drink any water from your sink or filtered water hookups that are connected to the backed-up line. 

Don’t remove items from the area. You should not touch anything that has been exposed to sewage. SERVPRO will keep a record of all items removed from the damaged area, including those deemed unsalvageable.

Don’t try to clean it up. You may be destroying evidence that could impact your insurance claim. Leaving the area as is after you call the plumber and insurance company is the best thing you can do. Allow the experts at SERVPRO to return your home to safety.

Call 1-800-SERVPRO for 24/7 emergency service.

Why Choose SERVPRO? | Ask Our Customers!

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill was recently on the scene of a large residential water damage in Philadelphia. Our Production Manager Jerome handled cleanup and restoration of the damage. The customer was kind enough to leave us a glowing review. See what Sherry had to say about Jerome’s team!

"Jerome Counts and his crew were not 10’s…they were 100’s!!! Amazing guys who did an excellent job helping us in an extremely stressful situation! I am so grateful to them for their empathy, kindness, and professionalism! While I hope to never need their help again, if any of my family or friends or I do need it, Jerome/SERVPRO will be getting a call! Thank you!!" - Sherry C.

We’re so grateful for awesome customers! Thank you, Sherry!

What is a Storm Surge?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

A storm surge (also commonly referred to as a storm flood, tidal surge, or storm tide) is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal tide. They are caused primarily by high-speed winds pushing water towards the coast.

Storm surges are a major threat to life, property, and infrastructure. Many scientists theorize that surges will increase in frequency and intensity as sea levels rise due to climate change. Communities can adapt by building hard infrastructures, like surge barriers, soft infrastructure, like coastal dunes or mangroves, improving coastal construction practices, and building social strategies such as early warning, education, and evacuation plans.

For more in-depth information on storm surges, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website. Learn about your community’s storm surge threat level by checking out their interactive National Storm Surge Hazard Map here.

Why does PA experience more thunderstorms during Summer?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SSERVPRO: The Storm Recovery Experts

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence in Pennsylvania, especially during the Summer months. They can produce flash flooding, wind gusts, hail, lightning, and even tornadoes. 

Why do we experience more thunderstorms in Summer?

The two basic elements that cause a thunderstorm to develop are moisture and rapidly rising warm air. Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate. In conjunction with warm temperat­ures, high humidity creates massive amounts of warm, moist air rising into the atmosphere, where it can easily form a thunderstorm.

The biggest threats associated with most thunderstorms are lightning and flash floods. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania. No no matter where you live, you should be prepared for a flood emergency, but it’s especially important if you live near water, in a low-lying area, or downstream from a dam. Check your flood risk on FEMA’s flood risk map here.

Choosing The Right Smoke Alarm

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Replace your smoke alarm every ten years.

There two most common types of smoke alarms are Photoelectric and Ionization. Each gets its name from the mechanism used to detect the presence of smoke.

Ionization smoke alarms use ionized particles to detect smoke. A tiny amount of radioactive material sits between two electrically charged plates. The reaction between these components generates a current. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts this current and triggers the alarm. Ionization smoke detectors are best for detecting aggressive, open flame fires.

Photoelectric smoke alarms use a light beam and sensor to identify smoke. Once smoke permeates the alarm, it blocks the light beam and reflects it onto the sensor, triggering the alarm. Photoelectric alarms respond fastest to smoke produced by smoldering fires.

Smoke detection technology has advanced in the past several years. Many modern detectors include a combination of ionization and photoelectric sensors, making them capable of detecting all types of smoke.

Remember to replace your smoke alarm every ten years. When you're ready to upgrade your system, consider selecting a combination alarm.

Spring Cleaning Tips For Commercial Properties

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

A deep pressure wash can revamp the appearance of your building

Spring cleaning doesn't only apply to homes. If you own or manage a commercial property, a thorough spring cleaning will help refresh your business!

Get Carpets or Floors Professionally Deep Cleaned

Ideally, carpets and floors should be deep cleaned on an annual basis. Winter takes a toll on your building's foundations. Consider how much mud, dirt, sand, and salt visitors may have tracked in. Spring is the ideal time to have your floors deep cleaned by SERVPRO of Society Hill!

Pressure Wash Outdoor Areas

High-traffic outdoor areas can collect grime, organic buildup, and dirt. A deep pressure wash can revamp the appearance of your building. Consider having the following areas washed:

• Sidewalks and walkways
• Courtyards
• Front entrances 
• Common areas
• Parking areas and garages
• Driveways 
• Patios
• Playground equipment
• Dumpsters
• Pool decks

Establish A Regular Cleaning Schedule

Having a professional cleaning company deep clean your property regularly is the best way to keep it in top condition. The team at SERVPRO can accommodate the specific needs of your property, Reduce your concerns about property cleanliness with regularly scheduled services from professionals you can trust!

Deep Cleaning & Deodorizing Your Building's Trash Chute

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill provides trash chute, dumpster, compactor cleaning, and deodorization services for commercial buildings in Philadelphia.

Chute cleaning is essential for maintaining a commercial property's safety and air quality. Neglected chutes are hazardous. They often contain waste matter, bacteria-ridden food remnants, and other toxins. Such conditions provide an ideal nesting place for insects and vermin. If left unattended, your building may fall victim to an out-of-control pest problem.

Your trash chute should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on how frequently it is used. Garbage chute cleaning should be considered routine preventive maintenance.

SERVPRO’s professional cleaning services will rid your building of these problems and eliminate the source of unpleasant odors from hallways and basements. To schedule a cleaning, contact SERVPRO of Society Hill today at 215-772-1203.

Debunking Mold Misconceptions

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are well-equipped and experienced with mold remediation and removal.

There are many common misconceptions regarding mold. Let's debunk them!

#1: Any & All Mold Is Bad

Mold is an essential part of our biological environment because it digests organic material. Without it, leaves would not decay, and soil enrichment could not occur. In reality, mold spores are all around us in the air we breathe. The issue with mold isn't its presence but its concentration.

Mold only becomes a threat to our health at concentrated levels. For example, when spores attach to a damp surface and begin to reproduce inside your home.

#2: A Little Bit of Mold Isn't An Issue

Mold is like an iceberg. If you see a little bit of mold growth, there is likely more growing under the surface out of sight. If mold is visibly growing on surfaces in your home, you have a problem.

# 3: Cleaning Mold Isn't Hard; you Should Do It Yourself

Many people believe that they can solve a mold issue with Bleach. While Bleach may kill certain kinds of mold on non-porous surfaces, it will not kill mold on porous surfaces such as wood. Additionally, using Bleach on mold may pose health risks and is not recommended by the EPA.

While you may be able to clean up certain kinds of mold in small quantities, most people are ill-equipped to handle a mold infestation. To correctly resolve the issue, you must identify the cause, isolate the area to keep spores from spreading, and clean and remove the affected surfaces entirely.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are well-equipped and experienced with mold remediation and removal. If you suspect an infestation in your home, contact us at 215-772-1203 for immediate assistance!

Proud Partner of Philly Property Managers

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Property managers rely on the commercial restoration experts at SERVPRO.

Property managers across the United States rely on the experts at SERVPRO. With more than 50 years of experience, we are a trusted leader in commercial property restoration service.

Here in Philadelphia, SERVPRO of Society Hill has successfully restored many commercial buildings. We’ve serviced multi-level commercial buildings, multi-tenant facilities, office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, industrial facilities, and mixed-use properties.

We understand the importance of minimizing the impact on daily business operations caused by a disaster. That’s why SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 for immediate response. We act swiftly to assess the damage, contain it, and begin cleanup and repairs. 

SERVPRO of Society Hill is a proud partner of many of our city’s property managers. Contact us today at 215-772-1203 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of IICRC certified damage restoration specialists.

January's Customer of the Month!

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is excited to announce our first Customer of the Month for 2022. Congratulations to Chris D! 

Chris called on SERVPRO to help when multiple floors of his Philadelphia home were soaked by a burst pipe.

"During a bathroom remodel, a water supply line was damaged and flooded our 2nd and 1st floors with extensive damage behind the walls. We called SERVPRO. The rep was responsive and showed up the same day. He was able to begin remediation, get an accurate assessment and complete the needed clean-up quickly. The rep, Eric, was timely, responsive, gave me daily updates and followed through. He was great to work with." - Chris D.

Read more customer testimonials or leave a review of your own here: SERVPRO of Society Hill Google Reviews

Introducing Need To Know with SERVPRO

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our first video covers water damage categories.

When it comes to property damage, our customers have a lot of questions. SERVPRO of Society Hill has answers! That’s why we’ve introduced a new video series: Need To Know with SERVPRO. The Need To Know series will explore commonly asked questions and share SERVPRO insider tips!

Viewers can expect a new Need To Know video every Friday at 3 pm. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date on new episodes! 

Instagram: SERVPRO of Society Hill

Facebook: SERVPRO of Society Hill

Our very first video covers water damage categories. Check it out here: Youtube: Water Damage Categories

We value your feedback! To submit a topic or question for the Need To Know series, send an email to KevinP@SERVPROsocietyhill.com.

What is Ghosting? (Part 1)

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

The most common cause of ghosting is candle burning.

Have you noticed a faint discoloration on your walls? Or a dark, dusty residue on top of flat surfaces? Your home is being ghosted! 

Don’t worry, you’re not being haunted. Ghosting, otherwise known as “sooting” is very subtle soot damage. It is relatively common and typically harmless, aside from being an unsightly nuisance. 

Surprisingly, the most common cause of ghosting is candle burning. Although they appear to burn cleanly, scented candles produce tiny particles of soot. As the airborne particles settle, they combine with dust and cling to cool surfaces. Over time this creates noticeable staining.

If you simply can’t forgo the cozy ambiance of a lit candle, not to worry! There are ways to limit candle soot.

• Always trim your wick before lighting, especially if it has a mushroom shape. 
• Never burn your candle close to a wall. Place it on a table instead, away from flammable materials. 
• If possible, leave a window cracked to allow for ventilation.
• Use a snuffer or lid to extinguish the flame. Doing so will trap emitted smoke.
• Keep the flame still. A flickering wick will produce sooty smoke. Consider purchasing a lid-topper, which reduces the draft around your candle, allowing it to burn evenly. 

Aside from candle burning, other causes of ghosting include cigarette smoking, woodstoves and fireplaces, poorly tuned furnaces, kerosene heaters, propane logs, and unvented stoves. Regular maintenance of such appliances and proper ventilation will help reduce the issue.

Ghosting: How to Remove Light Soot (Part 2)

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Dry cleaning sponges (also known as chemical sponges) are specifically designed to absorb residue, which makes them perfect for cleaning soot.

In our last blog, we covered Ghosting; the subtle soot damage often caused by candle burning. Now that we know how to prevent candle soot, let's discuss how to remove it.

The acidic nature of soot makes it difficult to remove. Methods will vary depending on the material that was burned and the surface type. If you’re dealing with heavy soot, you’ll want to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill. For light candle soot on walls, follow these steps:  

• Create ventilation. Soot can irritate your lungs. Start by opening a window, turning on a fan, and opening vents. 
• Wear personal protective gear. Protect your eyes, skin, and lungs from particles with safety glasses, gloves, and a mask.
• Pull furniture away from the affected area(s). This will prevent loosened particles from settling on your belongings.
• Use a dry cleaning sponge. Soot is easy to smear, so if you use a regular sponge, you’ll push it farther into the wall and cause a permanent stain. Dry cleaning sponges (also known as chemical sponges) are specifically designed to absorb residue, which makes them perfect for cleaning soot. They’re widely available in hardware stores, cleaning supply stores, and online.
• Wipe, don’t scrub. The key to removing soot is to wipe it, as scrubbing will only cause it to spread. Us downward and overlapping strokes to wipe the wall. After each stroke, check the sponge. When it becomes clogged and full of soot, flip it over and use the clean side. Switch to a fresh sponge as necessary. Do not rinse the sponge with water or it will become unusable for cleaning soot.
• Once the soot is removed, treat the remaining stain. Use a degreaser, such as a dish detergent. In a clean bucket, mix 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent with ½ gallon of water. Dampen a sponge in the mixture and use it to clean the stain. Gently rinse with water.
• Dry. Use a towel or rag to dry the area, then allow it to air dry for several hours.
• Vacuum. Use the long nozzle attachment on your vacuum to ensure any loose particles are removed.

Remember, this method only applies to removing soot from a lightly damaged section of wall. Attempting to remove heavy soot yourself can be dangerous. The professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are experts in smoke and soot removal, as well as odor abatement. For your complimentary cleaning estimate, call 215-772-1203.

Ghosting or Mold? (Part 3)

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold has a textured appearance.

In parts one and two of our Ghosting series, we covered causes and cleaning techniques. Now let’s discuss identification.

Ghosting is often confused with another common household issue: mold growth. Both appear as dark discoloration on ceilings and walls. These tips can help you tell the difference.

Consider texture, smell, and location:

Texture: If the discoloration is caused by mold, the affected area will appear more textured. You may also notice fungal growth. Over time, mold can take on different colors, like white, green, purple, or orange.

Smell: Mold has a distinctly unpleasant, wet, and musty smell. Soot smells dry and smokey. If the area wreaks of rotten wood or wet socks, you likely have a mold issue. 

Location: Mold grows in dark, moist areas. If the discoloration in question is in a dry, sunny area, it's probably not mold.

If you’re unable to determine the source of the discoloration, SERVPRO of Society Hill can help. We offer surface and air mold testing. Call 215-772-1203 for more information.

Preventing Smoke & Soot Damage

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent smoke and soot damage by maintaining a clean fireplace.

November is here! As cooler temperatures arrive in Philadelphia, many of us look forward to keeping warm by a fire. Of course, enjoying a cozy fire requires a clean, safe fireplace. Here are some tips for keeping it that way:  

• When possible, keep a window cracked while the fire is burning. The incoming air will go up the chimney and prevent the room from becoming smokey. 
• Make sure the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,
• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, so always wait at least that long before removing the ashes. At that point, close the damper to prevent cold air in the flue from stirring up excess dust while you're removing the ashes.

If your fireplace causes soot, smoke, or odor damage to your home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Society Hill.

A Manayunk Mud Removal

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Stubborn mud is no match for the SERVPRO team!

The Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia is located along the scenic Schuylkill river. Recently, a storm caused the river to rise rapidly and pour out into the neighborhood’s homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Society Hill was called on to assist in the clean up effort.

Our first stop was an apartment complex located on Main Street. The parking garage below the complex had been flooded by more than 4 feet of water. As the water receded, it left behind a thick, stubborn layer of mud. The entire surface of the garage was covered and would have taken weeks to clean by hand. This situation called for the SERVPRO professionals!

After several days of deep pressure washing, extraction, drying and careful detail cleaning, the mud was completely gone!

Philly Commercial Property Owners: Are You Emergency Ready?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

An Emergency Ready Profile contains the critical information needed to begin cleanup and recovery.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following major property damage. Of those that recover, the majority have a preparedness plan in place. 

SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to help Philadelphia’s commercial property owners prepare for immediate recovery with our complimentary Emergency Ready Profile.

Your Emergency Ready Profile will contain the critical information needed to begin cleanup and recovery, including:

• A concise profile document that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• A guide to help you safely re-enter your building following a disaster.
• Direct contact with your SERVPRO of Society Hill as your immediate disaster mitigation and restoration provider. 
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

Contact SERVPRO today at 215-772-1203 to schedule your free Emergency Ready consultation. We’re here to help you prepare for a disaster before it strikes.

Fire Prevention Week 2021: October 3rd - 9th

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2021: Learn The Sounds of Fire Safety!

Fire Prevention Week is observed annually in early October. The event has been officially sponsored by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for 99 years.

This year’s theme: “Learn The Sounds of Fire Safety”

The goal of 2021’s theme is to help people better understand the reasons smoke alarms sound and how to effectively address them.

Here are the NFPA’s key messages:

• When a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds, respond immediately by exiting the home as quickly as possible.
• If your alarm begins to chirp, it may mean that the batteries are running low and need to be replaced. If the alarm continues to chirp after the batteries are replaced, or the alarm is more than 10 years old, it is time to replace the alarm.
• Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly. Press the test button to make sure the alarm is working.
• If there is someone in your household who is deaf or hard of hearing, install a bed shaker and strobe light alarms that will alert that person to fire.

Philadelphia residents should contact 311 to request free smoke alarms or adaptive alarms for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The PFD will come and install the alarms. 

• Know the difference between the sound of a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm – three beeps for smoke alarms; four beeps for carbon monoxide alarms.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, along with a wealth of resources to help promote the campaign locally, visit fpw.org.

Playing In Flood Water Is A Terrible Idea. Here's Why.

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwater presents many hidden dangers.

As hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on Philadelphia, some residents decided to take the destruction in stride.

Images of people playing in the flooded Vine Street Expressway went viral. One man was seen floating in a tube, cold beer in hand. Another dove in headfirst from an overpass. Across social media, many found the images amusing in light of an unfortunate situation. 

As experts in flood cleanup and water removal, we’re here to tell you why playing in floodwater is a terrible idea.

Water damages are classified by threat level. Floodwater falls under Category 3 - the most dangerous- as it presents a serious risk to health. For this reason, we refer to it as “black water” and advise homeowners to avoid contact with it at all costs. Why?

Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous waste, especially in urban areas.

Philadelphia has underground sewers. Any water floating above them is bound to contain raw sewage. The micro-organisms present in sewage-tainted water are known to cause E Coli, Giardia, Hepatitis A, Cholera, and more.

Aside from human waste, many other toxins are present. Consider that anything lining the streets and sidewalks has been washed up into the water. This includes vehicle fluids, chemicals, decaying animals, and garbage.

Put simply, contact with floodwater can result in diarrhea, parasites, skin infections, respiratory illnesses, and potentially death.

In addition to biological threats, floodwater contains dangerous hidden objects. 

Rushing water snatches up anything in its path. It is impossible to know what items are surrounding you in the murky water. Floodwater frequently includes broken glass, metal fragments, wires, branches, and more. Contact with these items can cause tetanus, staph infection, and serious injuries.

Don't get it confused- swimming in floodwater is not the same as swimming in a lake or ocean. It is unsanitary and dangerous. Always avoid contact with floodwater and urge family members and friends to do the same.

What Is A 100-Year Flood?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

It is possible (and likely) that more than one of these floods will occur in a 100 year period.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. So, what is a 100-year flood? What sets it apart from an average flood? Probability and magnitude.

Scientists use statistical techniques to estimate the probability of weather events. By analyzing data on the frequency and size of floods, they are able to calculate the probability that a large magnitude flood will occur in a single year.

A “100-year flood” refers to a drastic flood event that has a 1% chance of occurring in a given location in a single year. One percent is the same as a 1-in-100 chance. Hence, the term, 100-year flood.

The term is meant to help non-scientists understand the likelihood of a such an event. But it is commonly misunderstood.

Many people believe that if they experienced a 100-year flood this year, they will not see another one like it for 99 years. In reality, the chance of experiencing such a flood the following is the same – 1%. It is possible (and likely) that more than one of these floods will occur in a 100 year period.

Of course, location also factors into individual flood risk. To learn more about your risk, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service page here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.

If your home or business is devastated by a flood, the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are ready to help you recover.

The Water Damage Culprit In Your Home

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know? Washing machines are a leading cause of residential water damages.

The vast majority of homeowners insurance claims stem from the failure of everyday household appliances. When it comes to water damage, washing machines are a common and unsuspected culprit. 

More than half of all washing machine-related water damages are caused by hose failure. Each washing machine has three hoses: two that supply hot and cold water, and one that drains water away.

What causes hoses to leak and how can you prevent it from happening?

A poor connection to either the machine or wall. Constant vibration during the washing cycle can loosen a hose’s connection.

The solution: If you detect a minor leak, simply tighten the hose where it connects to the wall and/or machine.

Aging hoses. Over time, high-flow hoses wear down and become brittle. This makes them more likely to suffer a complete break, flooding your home with gallons of water.

The solution: Replace your hoses at least every 5 years. A new set can be purchased for under $30 and easily installed without a plumber.

During installation or replacement, the hose is pinched or cracked. Slow, gradual leaking leads to sustained moisture and eventual mold growth.

The solution: Invest in a sturdy hose. Braided stainless steel with a rubber or PVC core is more durable and resistant to external damage.

A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in preventing water damage. If your home is impacted by washing machine-related damage, the experts at SERVPRO of Society Hill can help!

SERVPRO of Society Hill Helps Philadelphia Recover From Hurricane Ida

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

On September 1st, 2021, hurricane Ida brought historic rainfall to Philadelphia. Homes and businesses across the city were devastated by flooding. In the aftermath, SERVPRO of Society Hill received hundreds of calls for help. Our crews immediately set out to begin disaster recovery efforts. 

In Center City- where the Vine Street Expressway resembled a Venice canal- basements beneath major buildings held as much as eight feet of water. Each required several hours’ worth of extraction, followed by drying, cleaning, and disinfection. 

The North-West’s Manayunk neighborhood was also hit especially hard as the Schuylkill crested at over 16 feet. After the river receded, streets and structures were left coated in inches of thick mud that took several days of pressure washing to remove.

SERVPRO of Society Hill has been diligently working around the clock for weeks to undo the devastation caused by Ida. We’re proud to take part in repairing our city!

Our Newest Service: Ultrasonic Cleaning

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is proud to offer ultrasonic cleaning!

SERVPRO of Society Hill strives to provide our customers with the highest quality cleaning services. That's why we've invested in a collection of new Morantz SM-200 Super Mighty One Ultrasonic Wash Machines.

How does it work?

Think bubbles! Cavitation "bubbles" form when sonic energy creates a void (or cavity) that gets trapped as a bubble in a liquid solution. These microscopic bubbles implode with such force that contaminants adhering to surfaces become dislodged. Ultrasonic cleaning machines scrub surfaces clean through implosions of tiny bubbles. This method is handy for delicate, intricate, or difficult to clean items.

What can it clean?

A better question would be- what can't it clean? Ultrasonic cleaning is suitable for various materials, including metals, glass, rubber, ceramics, and some hard plastics. It can remove dust, dirt, oil, pigments, rust, grease, algae, fungus, bacteria, limescale, polishing compounds, flux agents, fingerprints, soot, blood, and more!

Restoring your belongings is now faster, easier, and more effective with ultrasonic deep cleaning technology!

Large Commercial Water Damage in a Luxury Philly High-Rise

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO team prepared these units for restoration!

Last month, the SERVPRO of Society Hill team was called in to mitigate a large water damage at a luxury high-rise in Rittenhouse Square. A pipe burst on the building’s 9th floor had caused extensive flooding. Water poured all the way down to the ground floor, saturating walls, floors and furniture. Many of the units located on the building’s north side required partial demolition.

To many, a damage this large may seem overwhelming. But at SERVPRO, we've seen it all! We have the resources and experience to handle large commercial losses. 

All hands on deck! 

The longer it is left to sit, the more devastation a water damage will cause. Our goal was to mitigate the damage as quickly as possible to prevent further loss. More than 30 crew members worked around the clock to get the job done. Within three weeks, all units were gutted and prepared for restoration!

CAI Conference and Expo 2021!

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Rachel, our giveaway winner!

SERVPRO of Society Hill recently attended the annual Community Associations Institute (CAI) Convention and Expo at the Valley Forge Casino.

The Community Associations Institute is an international membership organization dedicated to building better communities. CAI provides education, information, and advocacy that are central to managing and governing responsible, exceptional community associations. The Keystone Chapter is the critical component to building better communities in Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware.

SERVPRO was proud to sponsor the event’s Wifi! This year’s theme was Stayin’ Alive and Learnin’ to Thrive! Our booth- hosted in partnership with SERVPRO of Upper Bucks- included a disco diva and a 70s theme raffle game. Our lucky winner, Rachel from Radnor House Condominium Association, won a $500 visa gift card!

We enjoyed the opportunity to meet with community leaders and look forward to attending the event again next year!

Understanding Soot Damage

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Accumulated soot appears as a dark black residue.

Soot is a highly acidic airborne contaminant made of tiny carbon particles created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like wood, oil and coal. Individual soot particles are nearly microscopic - even smaller than dust. They easily travel through ventilation systems before attaching to a surface. Accumulated soot appears as a dark black residue and emits a smoky, ashy odor.

Is Soot Dangerous?

Simply put, yes. Soot accounts for over one quarter of the total hazardous pollution in the air and is known to cause various types of cancer and lung disease.  

During a house fire, both natural and synthetic materials burn. The resulting soot particles can contain acids, chemicals, metals, dust and other hazardous materials. These toxic particles then stick to surrounding surfaces, like walls and ceilings, leaving you and your home exposed to the harmful effects.

How To Clean Up Soot

Soot removal is a difficult and sometimes dangerous task. It’s acidic nature makes it very challenging to remove and simply scrubbing or wiping may only further the damage. 

If you’re dealing with a relatively small amount of soot, removing it yourself may be manageable. Wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation by leaving a nearby window open. Vacuum the damaged area and use a special chemical sponge to wipe the affected surface.

If you have significant soot damage- call the experts. SERVPRO of Society Hill has years of experience in fire, smoke and soot damage cleanup. Call 215-772-1203 to schedule your complimentary estimate today!

Safety & Prevention

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping dryer vents clean is important for a number of reasons, including energy savings and more importantly, personal safety. Many forget that there’s more to it than cleaning the dryer’s lint screen between loads of laundry. A clogged dryer vent can lead to very dangerous results. 

Dryers work by pushing out hot, moist air so your clothes can dry. If your dryer vent to the outside becomes blocked by lint, the air will not be able to expel moisture like it was designed to do. The result will be trapped moisture that takes more heat energy to evaporate. A blocked vent could cause carbon monoxide to collect in your home rather than being vented outdoors. Along the same lines, dryer lint is highly flammable and can pose a fire hazard.

Five years ago, clogged dryer vents caused a fire to erupt in the laundromat pictured here. We’ve returned to perform routine cleanings of their vents ever since. They remain safe and fire free!

Having your ventilation system properly cleaned annually is the simplest way to protect your home or business. To schedule a dryer vent cleaning, call SERVPRO of Society Hill at 215-772-1203.

Water Damage Prevention: 3 Tips

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Aged and brittle washing machine hoses are a leading cause of water damage.

Water damage is a costly event that most homeowners are desperate to avoid. While not all water damages are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of encountering one.

Three preventative tips:

Know where your water main is located.

If you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home, knowing where your water main shutoff is located will make it easier to turn off the water right away, and hopefully minimize any damage.

Maintain appliances.

Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to manufacturer’s directions. Pay special attention to the state of your washing machine and refrigerator hoses. When these become old and brittle, they often become leaky and are among most frequent causes of water damage for homeowners. A hose typically has a life expectancy of about five years. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

Investigate and repair leaks promptly.

If you discover evidence of a leak in your home, investigate it right away. A small crack can quickly escalate to a full blown pipe burst.

If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home. 

Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental. Damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

National Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 9th- 15th

Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 9 through 15. This is a designated time to prepare for the potential of a tropical storm or hurricane. Now is the time to ensure your home is secure against storm damage.

Follow these three basic steps to minimize the risk of a property damage:

• Repair gutters and clear them of debris. Any method to divert heavy rain from your property will help, like French Drains.
• Make sure you have a method in place to secure your property’s windows and doors. Check storm shutters if you have them. Be sure you have enough plywood to secure your windows if you opt for that method.
• Determine where you will stow all outdoors items like furniture, that could become a damaging projectile. If you cannot move them indoors, have a way to secure them. Bungee cords and tarps will come in handy.

In the event of a disaster, SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready 24/7 to respond to your emergency!

Detecting Hidden Damage With Thermal Imaging

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Visible temperature differences indicate the presence of moisture.

Water leaks can cause serious damage to a structure and are often difficult to detect until it’s too late. The subtle signs are easy to miss until water begins dripping from the ceiling. At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we utilize advanced tools that allow us to detect hidden moisture. Chief amongst these is the infrared camera.

An infrared camera produces thermal images that reveal subtle temperature differences. How? Every object emits infrared light, even cold ones. An infrared camera measures the amount of infrared light that is emitted off of a surface. The measurement is then calculated to determine the temperature. Visible temperature differences indicate the presence of moisture.

However, identifying a pattern that looks like moisture does not always guarantee the presence of water damage. That's why we follow up on infrared findings using another valuable tool; the moisture meter. The meter will confirm whether what we’ve detected is in fact water.

These tools allow us to detect hidden moisture without cutting into walls, which speeds up the testing process helps keeps costs low. That's the SERVPRO difference!

Large Loss Specialists: SERVPRO Franchises Join Forces!

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's large-loss specialists can tackle any size disaster.

Last week, SERVPROs of Society Hill, Overbrook and Blue Bell joined forces to tackle a large commercial water loss in Center City, Philadelphia.

A pipe burst in a high rise building resulted in five floors of saturated walls, ceilings, carpets and office furniture. A team of more than thirty crew members quickly arrived on the scene to perform extraction and cleanup. The drying process took several days to complete and required more than 220 air movers and 60 dehumidifiers. 

High-rise buildings tend to have more water damage exposure. Thankfully, the elite large-loss specialists at SERVPRO are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. 

Prevent Water Damage With Clean Gutters

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your home with clean gutters.

April showers bring May flowers! That’s right, the welcome warm climate of Spring brings with it torrential rain. Heavy spring downpours fall straight into a home’s gutter system, making functional gutters essential to preventing a costly water damage.

When a home’s gutters are blocked, rainwater is unable to drain. As a result, the excess water travels down the siding and often finds its way inside. As moisture infiltrates the interior, what begins as a steady trickle eventually leads to substantial damage. Over time, water stains to the walls and ceiling are visible. As temperatures warm, the threat of toxic black mold growth is inevitable.

The proven method to prevent water damage from gutters is to clean them at least twice annually, in Spring and Autumn. A Spring gutter cleaning removes the accumulated debris from winter and eliminates the threat of blockage. This ensures your gutters are functioning properly and will increase their overall longevity.

For recommendations on gutter cleaning services in our area, call SERVPRO of Society Hill at 215-772-1203.

Why Is Floodwater Dangerous?

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwater often contains dangerous unseen contaminants.

Many of us fear floodwater for the threat it poses to property. But did you know floodwater also poses a serious health hazard? According to The National Severe Storms Laboratory, more people are killed in the U.S. by flooding each year than are killed by tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.

Floodwater is often teeming with dangerous bacteria and contaminants, which can spread infectious diseases, contain chemical hazards and cause injuries. The worst contamination is caused by sewers or drains backing up in urban areas, or runoff from agricultural chemicals and animal waste in rural areas. In addition to microscopic contaminants, murky floodwaters may contain physical dangers such as downed power lines, sharp debris, or wild animals.

If your home is damaged by a flood, you should always assume that the floodwater is contaminated, even if you can’t see any obvious evidence within the water itself. Avoid contact with the water at all costs and contact professionals to assess the damage. At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we have the specialized training and equipment to carefully extract contaminated floodwater and return your home to safety.

Committed to a Cleaner Community- Philly Spring Cleanup 2021

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Working to keep Philly #SERVPROClean!

On Saturday, April 10th, SERVPRO of Society Hill participated in the 14th annual Philly Spring Cleanup event!

Around 750 different cleanup projects took place across the city during this year’s Spring Cleanup. The Streets Department’s signature event is billed as Philadelphia’s largest single day cleanup event. According to Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams, “The Philly Spring Cleanup is an opportunity to show the people of Philadelphia what we can accomplish when we work together towards a shared goal.” 

Over the course of a decade, more than 11 million pounds of trash and 600,000 pounds of recycling have been captured and removed from city neighborhoods during Philly Spring Cleanup events. The citywide effort has attracted more than 150,000 volunteers since 2008.

Our team was excited to take part in the event, during which thousands of Philadelphians gathered to beautify the city we love! 

View more event photos here: Instagram- SERVPRO at Philly Spring Cleanup

Flood Zones: Know Your Risk Level

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Are you located in a high-risk flood zone? Each flood zone describes the flood risk for a particular area, which is used to determine insurance requirements and costs.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Understanding your home’s exposure to flooding can help you decide whether or not to purchase flood insurance. 

In moderate to low- risk areas, the risk of flooding is reduced, but not completely removed. In fact, a third of all flood-related claims come from moderate to low-risk areas. However, property owners in these areas are typically eligible for lower-cost flood insurance, known as Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs).

If you own a property in a high-risk zone and have a federally backed mortgage, you are required to purchase flood insurance as a condition of that loan.

If you’re unsure of your risk level, FEMA’s flood map search tool can help you:

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

SERVPRO Clean = Market Ready

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re preparing to put your Philadelphia home on the market, SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to help it sell. 

According to the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI), only 10 percent of homeowners keep a house as clean as it needs to be when showing it to potential buyers. Many real estate professionals agree that having a home professionally cleaned before a showing is worth it. Clean homes often sell faster and may result in higher offers. An unclean home is a massive turn-off to potential buyers, who view filthy rugs, marred walls and scummy showers as more work and added expenses. 

We offer a variety of residential cleaning services, including:

• Odor Removal
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors and Walls
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Drapes and Blinds

Before you list your home, have cleaned by the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill!

Part of the Philadelphia Business Community

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

SERVPRO of Society Hill is a locally operated franchise owned by two Philadelphia natives. All of our employees are members of the Philadelphia community. In fact, we could even be your neighbors! 

We consider community involvement essential to operating a thriving small business. We love our city and we want to help make it an even better place to live and work. Which is why we are proud to announce our membership in the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber has promoted a healthy business climate in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for more than two hundred years. Through our involvement in the Chamber, we look forward to supporting initiatives aimed at generating opportunity and promoting a stronger, more diverse and more equitable regional economy!

Selecting a Fire Damage Restoration Company

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a house fire, there are two entities you must deal with in order to restore your home—your insurance company and a fire damage restoration company. When choosing a fire damage restoration company, there are certain factors to consider in order to ensure that the company you choose is reputable, professional, and will perform the work to your satisfaction.

Insurance Claim Help

Insurance claim assistance is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a fire damage restoration company. Handling a property insurance claim with your insurance company can be challenging, especially if they attempt to provide you a low appraisal. Insurance companies will often recommend a preferred company to perform the repair and restoration services. However, you are free to choose whichever company you like. You’ll want to select one who will help negotiate your property insurance claim on your behalf, enabling you to get the full value of the repairs. 

A reputable company will lend further assistance by providing insurance claim help via strategies and negotiations intended to ensure you receive compensation for everything lost or damaged by fire.

Experience and Assurance

Experience is key. You’ll want to research any company you are considering in order to see how long they have been performing restoration services. Look for reviews that indicate satisfactory performance. Hire a company with expertise. They should offer a warranty on labor and support, and have proper insurance for their own workers and any subcontractors.

Cost and Details

After your property insurance claim has been filed, a competent fire damage restoration company will provide a free consultation and appraisal of the work to be performed. You should receive the complete details of the restoration process, as well as an estimate of how long the work will take. The right company will review these details with you and respond to any questions.

To learn about how SERVPRO of Society Hill works with on your behalf to completely restore your home, call 215-772-1203 today.

The Power of Drying Mats!

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

A moist wood floor is salvaged using a drying mat.

In the aftermath of a water damage, SERVPRO professionals use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to completely dry up residual moisture. However, flooring constructed from porous material often calls for additional drying procedures. In particular, wood floors tend to soak up substantial amounts of moisture when flooded. If left untreated, this will cause the flooring to warp, swell and break down over time. Subfloor mold growth is common in these situations.

So, how do we salvage wood floors? At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we bring in the drying mats! When attached to an air mover, a drying mat traps moving air, which gently circulates over the floor. This mechanism evaporates all traces of trapped moisture and leaves wood flooring completely dried. During this process, our team members carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the flooring reaches an acceptable level of dryness.

Commercial Water Damage- 7 Floors

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew recently tackled a large water damage at a high-rise apartment building in Center City, Philadelphia. A water heater burst on the 14th floor, soaking the entire unit and raining down on 7 floors beneath it. Ceilings, walls and floors were saturated and in need of extraction and repair.

With water still pouring down, our project manager arrived on the scene and acted quickly to prevent further damage. He first laid plastic over tenant belongings to protect them from moisture. Then, he got straight to work extracting water and placing fans. Partial demolition of several of the saturated walls and floors was required. 

Within a few days, the damaged units were completely dried and prepared for all necessary repairs. Emergency response prevented further damage from occurring!

Center City High-Rise Water Damages

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

We recently performed mitigation on a large water damage at a Center City high rise condominium. A water line on the eighth floor burst and two inches of water accumulated before seeping down into the units below. In total, six floors were affected. The cleanup lasted several days and included extraction and multiple ceiling demolitions.

High-rise buildings, like those throughout Center City, are at an increased risk for water damages. Individual units can have their own combined pressurized hot water and heating systems. A failure in a single unit can lead to a large escape of water. Plant rooms, boiler rooms and HVAC installations bring additional large volumes of water into a building. Any leaks in these systems can result in extensive water flow throughout multiple floors, especially if the system is located on the top floor or roof.

Commercial HVAC Cleaning Services in Philadelphia

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial HVAC Cleaning in Philadelphia.

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we provide regular HVAC cleanings for many Philadelphia condominium associations and apartment complexes.

What are the benefits of regular HVAC cleanings?

Cost-effectiveness. A dirty HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use. When the system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard. As a result, less energy is used. This leads  to improved cost-effectiveness. Regular cleanings will also help lengthen the overall lifespan of your system.

Improved air-quality. Humans naturally generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants in our living spaces, including dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up in the ductwork. Over time, this could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies. Regular cleaning will ensure the best air quality for building inhabitants. 

To learn more about our commercial HVAC cleaning services, give us a call today at 215-772-1203!

House Fires Peak in Winter

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we specialize in cleanup & repair of fire damages.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more home fires occur during Winter than any other season of the year. As the leading experts in fire, smoke and soot damage, we come across many fire-related property damages during Winter months. Let’s discuss the leading causes of house fires and how they can be avoided.

Cooking is the leading cause of fires year-round. Most cooking is done indoors throughout the colder months. Thus, the likelihood of a kitchen fire increases during Winter. Remember to never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, especially when using hot appliances. Keep paper products, towels, potholders and other flammable materials away from the stove and avoid grease buildup by cleaning your stove often.

Heating is the second-leading cause of home fires. Space heaters are responsible for a large portion of Winter fires. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. 

Many of us use candles to decorate our home in Winter. Be mindful of the placement of your candles. The majority of house fires started by candles occur when a combustible material is left too close to the open flame. Remember to keep candles at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire. It is unwise to leave a candle unattended. Be sure to extinguish lit candles before going to sleep.

The majority of dryer fires start because homeowners fail to clean the dryer. Buildup of lint and other materials cause fires because the unit cannot release heat properly. That heat buildup becomes the fuel to a very dangerous fire. To prevent a dryer fire, clean out lint filters each time you use your dryer. You should also have your dryer vent and ductwork professionally cleaned once a year- services we provide at SERVPRO of Society Hill.

Electrical lighting is another common cause of house fires. As you decorate your home with lights, be mindful of manufacturer instructions. Avoid overloading your outlet and/or power strip. There is a limit to how many strands of string lights can be connected safely. Replace any string strands with frayed wires or a worn appearance. Most importantly, turn off Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

Whether you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree, both can pose a fire risk. Real trees tend to be at a higher risk of catching flame because of their needles becoming dry. However, artificial trees result in more severe flames with dangerous chemicals and smoke. As with other combustibles, keep your tree three feet away from any heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, heat vents, etc. Make sure your tree isn’t blocking an exit out of the home, like a hallway or door. For more tips, read our article about christmas tree safety here: https://www.SERVPROsocietyhill.com/holiday-tree-safety

Prevention is key to keeping a fire-safe home. Now would be a good time to practice your fire escape plan with your family! If your home is damaged by fire, smoke or soot this Winter, call SERVPRO of Society Hill for immediate cleanup and restoration.

Holiday Tree Safety- Avoid a Fire Damage!

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid a fire damage in your home by following Christmas tree safety guidelines.

Flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season. Unfortunately, a beautiful Christmas tree can become a fire hazard if not maintained properly. Follow these simple tips to avoid a fire damage and ensure a happy and safe holiday season! 

First and foremost, start with a quality tree. When purchasing an artificial tree, consider selecting one labelled “Fire Resistant”. If you prefer a live tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Make sure the base is cut at a 45 degree angle before placing it in water.

Keep your live tree hydrated! Dry Christmas trees are dangerously combustible. A small fire that spreads to a dry tree will grow very quickly. The average tree can use as much as one gallon of water per day, so make a point to check the water level daily. Not only will this keep your tree safe, it will also help maintain its plump and full appearance.

Find the perfect spot for your tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than two of every five decoration fires occur because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. One-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

Inspect light strands before use. Those with worn, frayed wire or loose connections are unsafe and should be discarded. Purchase lights with safety labels and follow manufacturer instructions on how many strands to connect. Don’t leave your lit tree unattended, always turn off lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

Winter months are the leading time of year for home fires. Avoid a devastating fire in your home by practicing fire safety year-round. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries yearly.

When the holiday season comes to a close, discard your live tree promptly. Many communities offer Christmas tree recycling. Check with your local recycling center for drop-off locations. These centers will often chip and shred your tree for use as mulch or soft bedding for parks and playgrounds in your community.

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we have years of experience cleaning and repairing residential fire and smoke damage. If your home is impacted by fire this season, call the experts you can trust at 1-800-SERVPRO.

The Certified Mitigation and Restoration Professionals

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew members adhere to cleaning industry standards.

When your property is damaged, turn to the company you can trust. With over 50 years of collective expertise, SERVPRO professionals are highly trained and experienced in mitigation and restoration. We’ve developed the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry. 

SERVPRO franchise owners must agree to 21 guidelines in order to receive insurance client referrals from 1-800-SERVPRO. These include insurance requirements and employee background checks. Each requirement is continually maintained to ensure clients are connected with the best possible service providers.

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, regular training and certification requirements keep our staff up to date on industry standards, ensuring we deliver the quality you expect. We are professionally certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is responsible for setting standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Franchise professionals and insurance clients are encouraged to continue their education in classes at SERVPRO’S IICRC-approved training facility.

Consistent training is the best way to ensure our customers receive the service they deserve. That’s why our technicians keep their skills sharp through regular completion of e-learning training programs. Certification is awarded after successful course completion and an examination. Modules include: Crew Training, Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning.

SERVPRO of Society Hill is committed to upholding the industry standards that have made SERVPRO a household name nationally. That’s why we emphasize strict adherence to IICRC standards, as well as cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite like a blizzard warning to send homeowners into panic mode. To avoid fear and frenzy, start preparing your home for severe weather conditions in the Fall. Follow these five tips and you’ll have peace of mind once a winter storm comes our way:

Trim back trees. Heavy snow can cause branches to snap and come crashing down on your home. Avoid a compromised roof by tending to your trees. Remove weak branches and those situated close enough to break a window in high winds. (If a branch cracks your window, weatherseal tape will provide a temporary seal.) Consider hiring a professional company to cut back limbs and remove sick or dying trees.

Protect your pipes. Frozen pipe bursts are one of the leading causes of property damage during winter months. To avoid a costly damage, protect your pipes from freezing conditions. Inspect pipes for visible damage such as rust or cracks and have them replaced if necessary. Protect exposed plumbing using foam pipe insulation. This cost-effective solution will guard against freezing air. You can promote warm air circulation to exterior areas of your home by leaving interior doors and cabinet’s open. Visit our blog article “Prevent Frozen Pipe Bursts” for more tips.

Use alternative sources of heat and power safely. If you plan on utilizing alternative heat sources during a power outage, it is important to have a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your home. Combustible heat sources produce CO, which has no smell. It can cause drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death. All fuel-burning equipment must be used outside and kept away from windows. Avoid using a chimney if it has not been regularly cleaned, as this may present a fire risk.

Prepare for melting. After the storm subsides, rising temperatures quickly turn snow to water. This may put your home at risk for flooding. Elevate critical utilities, furniture and belongings to avoid potential damage. In the event of a power outage, a sump pump will be unable to drain floodwater. Consider keeping a battery-operated sump pump on standby.

Make a plan. While certain precautions may lower your risk of encountering unsafe conditions, not all emergencies are preventable. If your home is significantly damaged by winter weather, do not attempt to ride out the storm. Instead, seek a public designated shelter. To locate the nearest shelter, text “SHELTER” and your zip code to 43362, which is FEMA’s dedicated text line.

If your home is damaged by a storm, SERVPRO of Society Hill is available 24/7 to help. We provide emergency roof tarping and board ups to prevent further damage. Our professional restoration team has the tools and expertise to repair your home. We strive to make storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

Prevent Frozen Pipe Bursts

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather is rapidly approaching here in Philadelphia. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes surges. In fact, frozen pipe bursts are a common cause of property damage during winter months. These damages can cost several thousands to repair. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to lower the risk of a frozen pipe burst in your home.

Before temperatures fall, identify which of your pipes may be at risk. Those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics and garages are most likely to freeze. But subzero temperatures can also freeze pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls. Inspect these pipes closely for visible damage such as rust, cracks or leaks. Even slight damage raises the risk of a burst exponentially.

Once cold weather sets in, follow these steps:

Promote warm air circulation around your plumbing. Keep garage doors closed. Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. This is especially important if your sinks are located on an exterior wall.

Insulate water line pipes. Adequate insulation in attics, basements and crawl spaces will maintain warmth and slow the onset of freezing temperatures. Prevent drafts by sealing cracks around windows and doors.

Think ahead. If you plan to be away during cold weather, set the heat in your home to no lower than 55 degrees. This is especially important if forecasts predict sustained temperatures below 20 degrees.

Thawing frozen pipes:

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, take caution. If the pipe has cracked or burst, water will come flowing out and flood your home once it has thawed. Turn off your water at the main shutoff valve.

If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, take the following steps:

Turn on the faucet. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it may be, will help to melt ice in the pipe.

Carefully apply heat to the pipe. Wrap an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the pipe. Introduce warm air using a hair dryer or portable space heater, but keep these as devices far away from water and flammable materials. Never use an open flame to heat frozen pipes, as this may damage them or even start a fire.

If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe, call a licensed plumber.

In the event one of your pipes has frozen and burst, contact SERVPRO of Society Hill. We provide 24/7 emergency response. Our expert employees can swiftly repair the damage and restore your home.

How to safely heat your home this winter!

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Space Heaters
In an effort to help cut energy costs or to accommodate roommates many people use space heaters during the winter months. They are an excellent way to warm up cold rooms or provide extra heat. Space heaters can also be hazardous if not used properly. Never leave a space heater unattended especially when children and pets are around, and don’t place it near drapes, shades or bedding.  Always keep them out of high traffic areas, and doorways.  This will lower the risk of a tripping accident. If your heater is more than a few years old, replace it with a new model that has more current safety features such as tip-over protection. This way it shuts off automatically if it happens to fall over.  Never use an extension cord to plug in a space heater.  Always plug directly into an outlet on the wall.  While space heaters come in very handy they can also pose serious risks.  So follow these tips to stay warm safely!

Fireplaces
Winter is a notorious time for house fires and it is vital to have working fire alarms around the house to alert everyone, but one of the main culprits is faulty fireplaces. The best way to prevent a disaster is having a professional properly inspect it. If your flue or chimney are blocked by debris or contain cracks or leaks, inadequate venting can occur, and toxic fumes may seep into your home. An inspection lets you know that everything is in safe working order.  You should also have your fireplace and chimney cleaned before your first use every year. Always make sure your fireplace is out and cooled before going to bed, and just like the space heaters never leave the fire unattended. 

SERVPRO Society Hill wants everyone to take the right steps to prevent house fires from happening.  So if you take all these precautions and steps this winter you will be safe and warm in the comfort of your home!

Providing Commercial Buildings With A Reliable Resource

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

One of SERVPRO of Society Hill's major focus points is the large commercial buildings in the city of Philadelphia. Seeing that these buildings can be so large, you never know when, where, or how a damage may occur.  That's why our Marketing Representatives are always looking to build new solid relationship's with Property Managers, and Chief Engineers of these properties. This way we can provide them with a direct contact for when disaster strikes.  Just having that person to reach out to 24/7 can save a lot of time, stress, and money.  Every minute you waste trying to search for the right company to call the more likely the damage gets worse.  That's why the whole SERVPRO of Society Hill team is ready to respond.  From the first call, to the crew being shipped out, to a full cleanup for any damage that has occurred.  We know commercial buildings take a lot of work to manage, and maintain.  Knowing that you have someone to call from SERVPRO of Society Hill when the time comes makes your job a lot easier!

Important Steps To Follow When Dealing With an Active Fire!

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we care about you and your families well being. In the terrible case that you have to deal with an active fire here are some safety tips to get you and your family to safety as fast as possible!

• Always have an escape plan/route mapped out that everyone in your family knows if a fire should ever occur.
• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.  Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.  If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.  Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean, dry cloth.  Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

Following these steps will greatly increase your chances of getting to safety quickly and no harm.  SERVPRO of Society Hill is available 24/7, and ready to help with the aftermath of a fire!

Preventing Water Damage During the Fall & Winter Seasons

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine leaves falling, or the first beautiful snowfall of the season. While these may be some wonderful sights of nature, they could also become problems for your home. First off when the weather gets cooler we will all see the leaves begin to fall from the trees, most of which make it to the ground. While some get trapped in the gutters of homes, left unattended, gutters and drains will become clogged. This leaves nowhere for water to flow, and could potentially leak into the house. The same of which can go for snow and ice. If snow is melting, and then refreezing it could be causing ice dams to build up, and doing further damage to the gutter. Ice dams put weight stress on gutters this then could also pop up shingles, which leads to water damage to the roof, and ceilings in the home.  Water damages, left untreated, can then bring the risk of mold growth and health effects. So it's always important to have your gutters properly cleaned, and secured before the leaves begin to fall. Especially before the upcoming fall and winter seasons.  Just know that if any of these problems do occur, SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready no matter the damage or weather!

One Team One Goal When it Comes to Water Damages

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill has dealt with our fair share of storms over the years. We all know how devastating something such as a hurricane can be especially when you may live by the water. Flooding and then mold occur and can completely ruin your home, building, or business. SERVPRO of Society Hill takes pride in how we come together across the country to help those in need. We have traveled far and wide for the largest of damages. We understand how important it is to get your life back together so with all the franchises across the country we band together to get towns, cities, states back up and running. With our tractor trailers of equipment and vehicles filled with employees ready to repair everything as soon as possible. We understand your property hold value to you in more ways than one and we want you to have that comfort knowing we care and we go the extra mile to handle a disaster recovery. Just know that you can call SERVPRO of Society Hill for any job no matter how big or how small. We can handle it!

The Dangers of Floodwater

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

With all these tropical storms and hurricanes affecting our country during these times, your health and safety is SERVPRO of Society Hill's top priority. According to the Centers of Disease Control, floodwaters can pose several health risks and cause injuries, infections, chemical hazards, and more. Never drive through flooded roadways, and avoid contact with floodwater when possible as it may contain downed power lines or electric currents from a home or business; human or livestock waste; household, medical, or industrial hazardous waste; debris; or wild animals such as rodents and snakes. If the water has entered a structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is also to be considered black water and could be hazardous to your health. This is why it is very important to act quickly and contact SERVPRO of Society Hill to cleanup all the damages and health risks that come with floodwater.

Dealing With Inner City Vandalism

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

One thing about SERVPRO of Society Hill is that we are a “one stop shop”. Not only do we specialize in fire and water damage restoration and cleanup; we specialize in vandalism and graffiti cleanup! In many areas of Philadelphia vandalism can happen on a reoccurring basis and require a lot of time set aside to cleanup, paint over, or tear down the damaged area. As we know vandalism can range from small pranks like throwing eggs at someone’s front yard to completely destroying someone’s house from breaking windows or spray painting on their private property. Luckily, SERVPRO of Society Hill specializes in both minor and large vandalism and graffiti cleanup and restoration. If you ever encounter such a damage please know you are in good hands when you call us here. We care about you getting back up and running. Don’t worry when someone intrudes and tries to destroy your personal property, SERVPRO of Society Hill will act fast and efficient to restore your personal items and remove all vandalism and destruction from your home or commercial building.

Commercial Fire Damages

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Living in or working at a commercial building can be a nice luxury.  It can also bring on some dangers that are out of your control. A careless tenant or employee could cause some serious damage not only to there property but everyone surrounding them as well.  Fires can be the biggest threat to everyone in the building depending on the size of it.  If this disaster were to occur SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to help out with any damage the fire may done to the property.  Even if you do not have any structural damage, smoke damage is very likely.  Soot on walls an a lingering odor are some of the issues you may have to deal with after a fire.  This is when are certified trained staff comes in to get rid of these problems.  We have all the chemicals needed to clean any affected areas and remove the smoke odor. Don't let someone else's mistake bring you down and destroy your life.   Call SERVPRO of Society Hill to help put it all back together!

Fire Vandalism Clean Up

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill understands your hardships and wants you to know we have a staff that is willing to do what ever it takes to get you back up and running. This means providing services at any time during almost any situation at hand.  We are always there to help fix the disaster that has taken place.

We offer all services from pressure washing graffiti off of walls to bio hazard cleanings to boarding up fires and rebuilding a facility. Our staff here can clean up the smoke damages by using chemical treatment and taking down charred and damaged structures. We can remove odor out of a building and extract water that may have come out of a sprinkler system. We can dry your structure so it does not grow any mold. If you already have mold then we offer remediation and treatment for it to keep you and the others around you safe. 

If you are looking for a company who can do it all SERVPRO of Society Hill is here for you and do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Vandalism Clean Up

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Although some graffiti may have artistic merit, it is plaguing cities throughout the world. These eyesores can hurt property values, and can be associated with an increase in crime.

According to the Bureau of Justice, graffiti is the most common form of vandalism, and its cleanup is burdening businesses and property owners, while taking a chunk out of municipal budgets. American cities spend an estimated $12 billion on graffiti cleanup each year, not to mention countless law enforcement resources.

Some of the most common graffiti targets include schools, businesses, public transportation vehicles and stations, utilities, shopping malls, and government buildings. 

With everything going on in the world today SERVPRO of Society Hill offers Services where we can completely remove and clean the walls and floors of these buildings for affordable and reasonable prices. We understand you want your building and your city looking clean and respectable because your image is crucial to people returning or coming in your doors for the first time. 

Our experienced staff uses chemicals, pressure washers and heat to remove these unwanted tags to make it look fresh, clean and new. We care about your business and your establishment so do not hesitate to call us!

Sewage Back Up

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

If you have any type of property such as a residential home, commercial warehouse, building small or large you are bound to run into type of sewage problem. For smaller buildings and homes the actual damage may not be so large, but it can leave behind some not so pleasant smells. For the larger buildings that may be located in the city damages can come in all sizes. Especially when you are dealing with a main city sewage line. These can cause not only terrible odors, but huge cleanups as well. Whether a small or large scale backup, SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready to dive in to get the waste out! Extracting whatever kind of waste is present is the first line of duty. Followed by extreme power washing to make sure no residue is left behind. If any is missed the smell with return and linger around. Finally after everything is washed and wiped down its time to get rid of that smell. Using special chemicals that are made to rid the area of the smell and keep it that way! When stuck in a sticky and smelly situation call on SERVPRO of Society Hill to do the dirty work!

Emergency Ready Profile

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO always tries to prevent what we can and try to do the least damage to property or home when disaster strikes. One big advantage the we have is what we call an ERP. What is an ERP you ask, well it stands for Emergency Ready Profiles. These are very beneficial to property manager and building engineers in large commercial buildings. Having a ready plan in place can save your business and building. A trained professional from SERVPRO of Society Hill will walk through your building with you and fill out all the information needed. After completion all you have to do is download an App on your phone or tablet, and you have all the information one click away. Paper versions are also available. These ERP's come in handy when an emergency occurs and someone not familiar with the building needs important information. Changes and updates can always be made through the App whenever they may occur. This is all done at no charge to you or your building. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Protect Your Home From The Storm!

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we care about the safety of you and your loved ones and your home. Storms can be devastating and leave you with nothing. We want to educate you on some popular questions people ask when a storm of any kind comes through a home. 

• Find your loved ones. ...
• Don't go home until it's safe. ...
• Document the damage. ...
• Contact your insurance company. ...
• Apply for assistance. ...
• Stay out of the water. ...
• Prevent further damage. ...
• Listen to local clean up news and advisories.

Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage. So, if hurricane winds or tornadoes wreck your home, you should be OK. However, if a storm surge or flood carries off your house, a standard policy won't make you whole. You'll still have a mortgage if your house is destroyed by flooding.

Fill your bathtub with water, unless you have little children. This water can be used for drinking, washing, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised by hurricanes and either become undrinkable or stop flowing.

• Stay out of floodwater.
• Never use a wet electrical device.
• If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Be careful near damaged buildings.
• Stay away from power lines.
• Protect yourself from animals and pests.
• Drink safe water. Eat safe food.

If you have no flood insurance, FEMA's IHP grant will help you in a specific set of ways after a flood or other disaster. ... This is much less coverage than NFIP flood insurance, which covers up to $250,000 to repair or replace your home and belongings.

Most important after you know your family is safe, call SERVPRO to help you get your life back together. 

Water Damage Experts

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Equipment Set Up

Here at SERVPRO, we deal with all types of water losses. Whether it is a residential home water leak or an indoor pool flooding multiple floors in a building. This particular photo is showing the drying process of a luxury high rise condo. Fans were set up the length of the hallway in order to get a full circulation of air running. The venting hose is hooked up to a desiccant that is filtering the air the runs through it. To ensure that everything is completely dry this process usually takes up to 3 days to fully complete. We come back every day after the loss to ensure everything is drying properly and take moisture readings and check the humidity because we want you up and running as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Society Hill responded to this call in no time at all and had equipment set up immediately after we pulled up all the water off the floor from a burst pipe before the hard wood could start buckling. We are always ready to go 24 hours a day 7 days a week so whatever the damage may be SERVPRO is waiting for the call and ready to go. 

Storm Safety

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Storms such as hurricanes or tropical storms can be very dangerous and very frightening. SERVPRO of Society Hill wants you to be safe and aware of everything you can do to prevent more danger. 

• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
• Avoid corded phones. ...
• Avoid concrete floors and walls.

• Stay inside during thunderstorms and blizzards.
• Use flashlights instead of candles.
• Call the power company right away.
• Unplug as many big appliances as possible.

• Avoid using corded phones and electronics such as computers or power tools. ...
• Don't use your cell phone during a thunderstorm.
• Don't wash your hands, shower, wash dishes or do laundry. ...
• High winds and hail can shatter glass, so stay away from windows, skylights and doors.

Lightning 30/30 rule: If it takes less... Lightning 30/30 rule: If it takes less than 30 seconds to hear thunder after seeing the flash, lightning is near enough to pose a threat; after the storm ends, wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.

Those are just some simple tips and knowledge to keep you safe as possible. 

Learn About COVID-19

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill wants you to be educated on the current pandemic that is going on in the world today and ways to keep you healthy. 

In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.

Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected. For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.

Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water

Avoid sharing personal items like food and drinks. Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others. Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.

SERVPRO wants you to know what we are up against and to stay safe. 

Commercial Water Fire Mold Damages

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

The image your commercial property portrays can speak volumes about your business or building so when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Society Hill has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We as SERVPRO are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Some of the things our expertise includes are restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. 

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Society Hill to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your work space look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to the condition prior to the fire is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO as soon as possible!

Commercial Cleaning Services

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines cleanup practices. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC.SERVPRO of Society Hill are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces.

Common House Fires

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

It is very easy to forget that you left the iron on went to bed with a lit candle and forgot but house fires should be taken very seriously. No one knows that more than SERVPRO of Society Hill. We know the process to get you back on your feet can be tough not to mention the danger it brings to you and your family. 

Here are some tips to prevent a common house fire.

1. Stay in the kitchen. Don't leave a hot cooking surface unattended. ...
2. Check the dryer. ...
3. Maintain electrical cords. ...
4. Know your shutoffs. ...
5. Store flammable products properly. ...
6. Be careful with candles. ...
7. Be a conscientious smoker. ...
8. Use the fireplace responsibly.

Fires start very easy and can you guess the most common way?

Other common causes of home fires include overuse of appliances, home heating systems, and children playing with fire. Faulty or over-used appliances can easily cause a fire with just a few sparks.

Where are home fires most likely to start? Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. Fires caused by smoking are the leading cause of deaths.

Take this advice and use this information as a learning experience.

Storm Damages and Restorations

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damages can be very scary and can take a while to recover from. SERVPRO of Society Hill has done quite a few clean ups after some storm damages. Here are some good things to learn about storms. 

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms can cause damage due to high winds, flash flooding from rain and from lightning strikes. Strong thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes, which can cause massive destruction to personal and business property.

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms can cause damage due to high winds, flash flooding from rain and from lightning strikes. Strong thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes, which can cause massive destruction to personal and business property.

After a hurricane hits a coastal area, it can travel inland. At this point, the storm has typically weakened, but it can still cause damage. Torrential rains from the storm can cause rivers to flood their banks and mudslides to form. Around the world, about 10,000 people die each year in hurricanes and tropical storms.

Homeowners insurance may help cover certain causes of storm damage, including wind, hail and lightning. However, damage caused by flood and earthquakes typically is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Storms have the potential to harm lives and property via storm surge, heavy rain or snow causing flooding or road impassibility, lightning, wildfires, and vertical wind shear. Systems with significant rainfall and duration help alleviate drought in places they move through.

Stay Safe!

Educate Yourself On Mitigation

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill wants everyone to understand what consists of a water damage and understand what it takes to get your property back to normal. 

Full restoration consists of two major phases. The first, mitigation, consists of occasional demolition, cleaning and drying out the structure and belongings. This phase usually takes no more than 3 – 4 days.

Causes of water damage include:

• Bursting or leaking pipes.
• Issues with the plumbing system.
• Buildup in areas prone to collecting water, such as crawl spaces, attics and basements.
• Faulty or malfunctioning household appliances.
• HVACs (Heating, ventilating and air conditioning units) issues.

If left untreated, water damage can permanently weaken your home's structure or cause you and your family to become ill. Even a little bit of moisture can attract whole colonies of mold or bacteria.

Within 1 to 24 hours – When water damage lasts for 1 to 24 hours, drywall begins to bulge and break, furniture begins to swell and crack, and metal surfaces begin to tarnish. Within 2 hours to 7 days – You will experience growth and spread of mold and mildew.

It is safe to say that a water damage should be taken seriously and not let untreated. If you ever have to experience this, be sure to call SERVPRO!

Educate Yourself on Mold

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill wants you to understand what mold is and how to spot it to keep you safe so you know to call us for a remediation. 

With that definition, Mold Abatement means the ending of mold or removing mold from your home or business. Remediation means the action of remedying something, in particular of reversing or stopping environmental damage. ... We are removing the mold which is remediating the mold situation which is ending it, abatement.

The cleanup process is the same for Level 1 and Level 2 mold remediation and comprises these steps:

• Repair the water problem. ...
• Isolate the contaminated area. ...
• Suppress dust. ...
• Remove materials. ...
• Place materials in plastic bags. ...
• Clean. ...
• Clean the affected area and egress. ...
• Visibility test.

50-200 spores – still very low levels; the toxic mold species Stachybotrys and Memnoniella are the only species to be considered an issue at this level. 200-500 spores – the most common species (Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Curvularia) are not an issue and stay within the normal range.

If you think you have seen any of this make sure you call us out for an estimate!

Have A Fire Damage Plan

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be very sudden and can happen at any time. Having to evacuate your home because of a fire may be one of the most scary things that can happen to a homeowner. It means that you could be in incredible danger, and it might mean that your home could be completely lost. An evacuation means you have to move quickly and effectively, while making sure that nothing is forgotten. That means having a plan set out ahead of time so you are prepared to go at a moment’s notice. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we care about your well being more than just your home being put back together by us after a fire. It is important to us that you take the time out of your day as soon as possible and get together with your loved ones and put a plan in place where you have steps and procedures to get out safely and everyone understands what they must do in case the it does happen. It is better to be safe than sorry and that is why you should chose SERVPRO because we want the best for our customers and hope they never have to experience something worse because there were no precautions. 

We Are The Cleaning Professionals

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

Contact us at (215) 772-1203

Email: office@SERVPROsocietyhill.com 

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Society Hill at 215-772-1203

Email: office@SERVPROsocietyhill.com

After The Storm

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to better understand the cleaning process of water after the storm. 

The water damages materials. Wallboard will disintegrate if it remains wet too long; wood can swell, warp, or rot; electrical parts can short out, malfunction, and cause fires or shock.

Mud, silt and unknown contaminants in the water not only get everything dirty, they also create a health hazard.

Dampness promotes the growth of mildew, a mold or fungus that can grow on everything.

The following steps work on all three of these problems. It is very important that they be followed in order.

Lower the humidity: Everything will dry more quickly and clean more easily if you can reduce the humidity in the home. There are five ways for you to lower the humidity and stop the rot and mildew. But you'll have to delay using some methods if you have no electricity.

Open up the house: If the humidity outside is lower than indoors, and if the weather permits, open all the doors and windows to exchange the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air. Your body will tell if the humidity is lower outdoors. If the sun is out, it should be drier outside. If you have a thermometer with a humidity gauge, you can monitor the indoor and outdoor humidity.

On the other hand, when temperatures drop at night, an open home is warmer and will draw moisture indoors. At night and other times when the humidity is higher outdoors, close up the house.

Open closet and cabinet doors: Remove drawers to allow air circulation. Drawers may stick because of swelling. Don't try to force them. Speed drying by opening up the back of the cabinet to let the air circulate. You will probably be able to remove the drawers as the cabinet dries out.

Use fans: Fans help move the air and dry out your home. Do not use central air conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were under water. They will blow out dirty air, that might contain contaminants from the sediment left in the duct work. Clean or hose out the ducts first.

Run dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers and window air conditioners will reduce the moisture, especially in closed up areas.

Black and Toxic Mold

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Black and Toxic

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to learn about common misconceptions about mold. The term "black" mold is misleading at best. First, while the terms "toxic" and "black" mold are commonly used interchangeably, only one is recognized as black mold by most professionals: Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called Stachybotrys atra. Other common indoor toxic molds include - but are not limited to - Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Furthermore, Stachybotrys isn't actually black, but a greenish-black color instead. Finally, with more than 100,000 known types of mold, many of them are black. Unless they are Stachybotrys, however, they aren't "black" mold and may not even be toxic.

Mycotoxins

Another misleading term is "toxic." As the Centers for Disease Control explains, the mold itself isn't actually poisonous. Some molds are, instead, "toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins)." These chemical compounds sometimes attach to mold spores - reproductive seeds - and drift away in search of a new home. When they are inhaled, they may cause health effects. Fortunately, mold generally only releases spores when it is disturbed, such as by the breeze of a closing door or the vibration of a pounding hammer. In addition, the mold doesn't release mycotoxins constantly, so even if spores are released, toxins may not. However, any mold is never healthy in a home - much less Stachybotrys - especially for individuals with lung problems, compromised immune systems or simply allergies to mold.

Water Damage Tips

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

If your home has suffered water damage, you’re not alone. SERVPRO of Society Hill is with you when it comes to water damage repair, there are some tips you should know. Read on to learn all about what you should do if you have water damage.

Whatever the cause of your water damage the important thing is to act quickly. Water damage can begin to have permanent serious consequences for you, your family and your home within 24 hours. As well as the damage to your property, there are also health risks.

Assuming the water source is no longer a threat and you have shut down any electricity supply, now is the time to act to prevent further damage and start repairs. Save any valuables and undamaged belongings.

It’s as well to check your insurance. If you have cover for the repair of water damage you may have terms in your insurance that you must follow in order to be able to claim from your insurance. Make sure that you don’t invalidate your insurance simply by not following their instructions.

Take photographs of the damage. They may be useful later.

Water damage can be from three main types of water. Each type requires a different response.

Clean water, from leaking pipes, rain or condensation is the easiest water damage to clean up. Once you have identified the source and prevented any further damage, you may be able to mop it up and remove any damaged materials yourself. You probably won’t need specialized help unless there has been a lot of water.

Grey water is slightly dirty water. It comes from appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Again, you can probably clean small spills up yourself if it is recent but if this has backed up.

Sewage or flood water from rivers is known as black water. This contains bacteria and other waste products that can be hazardous to health. Specialized personal protective equipment and methods are needed to handle black water damage.

Water damage repair can be as simple as drying out a carpet after a burst pipe or as complex as recovering from a major flood. Assess the task and if necessary consult experts. Above all, act now.

COVID-19

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we care about our customers and we want do do everything we can to keep you healthy. That is why we are going out of our way and working all hours of the day and night to clean and prevent COVID-19 or better know as the Coronavirus. 

We provide preventative cleanings if you want to stay ahead of the curve and suspected and confirmed site cleanings if you believe someone has the virus or been around someone that has contracted it. This cleaning protocol is based on the current CDC guidelines. It can be anything from a common area lobby, a warehouse factory, a health club to even an entire building top to bottom. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy and provide a service that makes people feel some sense of normality so people can go home safe to their loved ones.

These cleanings consist of using specific chemicals that kill the virus and wiping every square in on the area down while wearing PPE to protect ourselves from spreading it. If you have any concerns of the virus then please feel free to call SERVPRO of Society Hill today! 

When a damaging storm hits follow these safety tips!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

You never know when a storm can bring significant damage!

No matter how much preparation or planning, there is no telling what damage a storm can leave behind! Collapsing roofs, broken windows, hazardous debris, and standing water in your home are just a few risks that can be left behind. Along with possible mold growth from water getting into carpets and furniture. Following these steps after a storm strikes will help keep you and your family safe.  If you smell any gas shut off the gas line.  Look out for any broken glass, sharp objects, or nails that could cause a risk.  While taking these immediate precautions, contacting a reputable restoration company such as SERVPRO of Society Hill as soon as possible to help in the recovery process. Next you will want to photograph any damage they may have occurred to have on record for your insurance company, as well as contacting your insurance company to get an adjuster out to survey the damage. After all these steps are take just leave the rest to SERVPRO of Society Hill to clean up any mess no matter the extent.

Fires Mean Smoke Damage!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

This bedroom suffered a substantial amount of smoke damage from a space heater fire.

It is not very hard to figure out if, and where you have smoke damage in your home after a fire.  Most commonly you will have discolored walls or ceilings, ash or soot on the floor, and charred items.  Besides the visuals smoke damage can also produce odor and other side effects that can damage property and health.  Although smoke damage usually is noticeable right away, but sometimes it does take a few days to surface.  Another precaution to be aware of after a fire is that your electrical system could have easily been damaged as well. Electrical damage can range from signs of corrosion, experience of short circuits or just complete failure.   Certain parts of a room may experience more damage then others. Ceilings are most common because of how heat rises. Also nail heads in the wall and ceilings will attract smoke particles.  A fire will continue to cause issues even after it has been extinguished, don't put you or your family health at risk.  Contact SERVPRO of Society Hill to help in any fire or smoke cleanup.  It's always important to act quickly to minimize the health risks as well as repairs to be done on the house. 

How to go about identifying and dealing with mold in commercial space.

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

This is a commercial building ceiling tile that has mold growth and a active leak coming from the area.

There are many different types of mold, and SERVPRO of Society Hill deals with them all.  A common one that can be growing inside your commercial business is known as Botrytis mold, also known as gray mold.  It can be found almost anywhere that plants are being grown including inside your business. It can spread easily through wind and water, and grow on a variety of surfaces.  It first appears as a white fuzzy color rapidly turning to gray, and sometimes even brown.  Like most molds Botrytis thrives in moisture and attacks the weak part of a plant and spreads to the healthy areas.  Some frequent household foods that are affected are strawberries, grapes, lettuce, onions, and cabbage.  Botrytis mold is highly allergenic.  Because of all these issue, it is very important for this mold to be removed right away.  At first sight any infected plant must be removed and disposed of to stop any further growth.  To make sure your home is completely mold free contacting SERVPRO of Society Hill is a smart decision.  Our experts will run mold tests and make sure that all mold growth is found and removed properly. Leaving your commercial property mold free and a safe environment to live in.

COVID-19 Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to help during these tough times.

The world is experiencing some troubling times in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and could see it continue in months to come. SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to help in anyway we can in controlling the spread of the virus. We have been getting a lot of calls regarding cleaning/disinfecting larger commercial areas. Here are some guidelines as well as links to information for these cleanings. 

- We can perform proactive and confirmed cleanings. SERVPRO of Society Hill request for proactive cleaning authorization clearly states  "While we will follow these protocols to clean and disinfect, due to the nature of certain surfaces, we cannot provide assurances that all pathogens will be eliminated, including corona-viruses. Of course, any area may be infected later if exposed to someone who is contagious with any pathogen. It is important that you continue to follow CDC’s recommendations found on their website. For example, it is important that you continue to perform routine environmental cleaning. This includes routinely cleaning with effective and approved cleaning agents. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. In addition, provide disinfectant wipes so that commonly used surfaces can be cleaned before each use." which is basically a limitation of liability so that if someone enters the site after the cleaning and infects it we cannot be held accountable. From everyone at SERVPRO of Society Hill stay safe,wash your hands, and just take it easy in these hard times.

We Are The Cleaning Experts!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Here we have one of our techs taking full precaution during a proactive cleaning on a commercial building.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Scoiety Hill, 215-772-1203]

Professionally Cleaning Up Bio Hazards

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Always take all safety precautions when cleaning blood pathogens.

You may think SERVPRO of Society Hill only specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration.  SERVPRO of Society Hill also offers fast, reliable bio hazard, and crime scene cleanup to residential and commercial property owners.  Franchise Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and take the proper procedures for disposal.  All of which follow the proper steps according to OSHA, EPA, and the local health regulations.  Any exposure to biological and chemical contaminants could cause serious health issues for anyone that is involved with the building.  If proper steps are not taken to remove and dangerous substances, it could lead to unhealthy and dangerous environments. Blood borne pathogens are up at the top as a potential dangerous substance.  SERVPRO of Society Hill will remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and any other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death.  Although all of these may difficult to deal with they happen, and that's where SERVPRO of Society Hill will help turn a messy situation into a clean one.

Do not let water damage go unattended!!

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

This is wood flooring after a water damage. The home owners did not take care of the problem right away, so now the whole floor must be removed.

Did you know it only takes 1 to 2 inches of water to begin damaging your property?  Any type of water leak no matter the size can turn into a much lager damage if not treated when discovered.  Unseen water can soak through carpets, walls, and pool on sub-floors causing big problems over time. The faster water is removed, the less chance of possible serious damage.  That's why SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready to spring into action anytime or day to prevent these damages.  With the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, the effected area is quickly and thoroughly dried.  This is important to prevent secondary water damage from occurring. Water that is hidden can also contain bacteria and causes mold growth. This can cause rotting along with a big health hazard.  A mop and common box fan will not fully take care of water damage issues.  That's why it is very important to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill for any water damage recovery.  The faster you act upon a damage the easier and less stressful the cleanup will be.

Staying Aware, and Ready During The Winter Season!

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Always make sure gutters are not blocked. This will prevent melting snow from damaging your house.

Even though we have had mild winter months in Philadelphia. There are still a variety of dangers that can occur and leave you in need of assistance during the season.  First off heavy snow storms can brings lot of snow at any moment if the temperatures were to drop.  If enough snow builds up on power lines or tree branches they can snap and cause some serious issues.  Structural damage is a common one along with the potential of fire risk.  Always be on the look out for low hanging power lines as well as tree branches they may already be damaged. Just being aware could potentially save you a lot of trouble, as well as your life.  Another risk during these cold times is extremely low temperatures. One of the big risks of freezing temperatures is frozen pipes in your home or business.  When pipes are exposed to extreme temperatures they are at a high risk of bursting.  This will likely lead large water damages.  To help prevent this from happening look out for any pipes that me be previously cracked or just in need or replacing from age.  Also if you notice a pipe during freezing do your best to thaw it out before it get to bad.  If you are affected by any type of damage or loss this winter SERVPRO of Society Hill is always ready to take on any job!

Returning From Vacation To Find A Damaged Home!

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

This was what a family returned home to after they got back from vacation. Their house had been vandalized!

Imagine returning home from a wonderful vacation with your family, only to find that your home has been damaged! Weather it was vandalism, water/ storm damage, or fire damage. Most people think it could never happen to them, and don't know who or where to turn to first in the event of such a tragedy. Look no further, here at SERVPRO of Society Hill whatever the damage or loss may be its our duty to restore your house back to normal. These problems occur more often than not, because people don't take the right precautions before leaving there homes for an extended time. Here are a few tips how to keep your house safe when your on vacation.

• Make sure all doors an windows are locked an secure
• Have a neighbor or relative keep an eye on your house, and make it appear as if your home is still being lived in
• Unplug unused electronics to prevent fries 
• Turn off the main water source in the case of a pipe burst to minimize damage

Following these steps may not stop all accidents from happening, but it will lower the chances greatly!  SERVPRO of Society Hill is always one call away if an incident at your home does occur. 

Tree Damage Tips After A Storm

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm with high winds,this tree came crashing down on this home. Thankfully no one was injured.

Storms can cause all types of problems, but tree damage should be a main focus for homeowners. Falling trees can cause major damage to houses. There are aspects to look for as a homeowner that will prevent tree hazards from happening. The first aspect is age. Tree age is important in hazard tree management. Every tree species has an inherent life span. Risk of failure increases with age. Another, aspect is the roots of the tree. Root integrity and health cannot be over emphasized. If the roots are damaged in any way, tree vitality and health are affected and the likelihood of failure increases. The probability of failure increases as the amount of the root damage increases. The final aspect is observing the trunk. If there is any fungi on the tree have it removed. Fungi can increase decaying of the bark and will increase the chance of a falling tree. These aspect will help to prevent trees from falling on top of houses. However, tree hazard are unpredictable. If a tree hazard was to happen to your home contact SERVPRO Society Hill for any tree hazards that happen.

5 Steps You Can Take On Your Own After a Burst Pipe!

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

This pipe was frozen and once it thawed out it burst.

You can never expect when a pipe will burst and wreak havoc on your home.  The water damage clean up can be a headache so you always want to be prepared.  Here are 5 tips to help you recover quickly when a broken pipe leaks water all over your property. 

1. Find the source of the water damage.  It's easy to find a faucet left running or sewer backup.  However, if water is coming from a hidden pipe in the walls you need to shut off water to the house as quickly as possible.  

2. After the panic has settled down, access the level of damage to your home.  There are limited things you can do yourself to remove the water from your house but if carpeting, drywall, rugs or the ceiling below have become saturated, call a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO of Society Hill immediately.

3. Move Quickly!  You need to start mitigating the damage before more damage piles up.  Bacteria and hazardous mold spores can begin to grow within hours of the catastrophe.  Open windows and turn on as many fans as possible to move air throughout the area.  Run a dehumidifier; it will pull moisture out of the air and prevent odors in the future. 

4. Use a shop-vac to remove as much water as possible until the professionals show up.  The longer the water sits on the floor, the more damage it will create.  Move quickly to remove as much water as possible. 

5. Take photos for your insurance claim.  Your insurance company will probably send out someone to investigate the damage but if you have pictures that show everything how it was the day the damage happened, you will have more evidence and it could smooth out the process.  After the damage is cleaned up, continue to move fresh air throughout the affected area and continue running the dehumidifier for several days after.  If your damage was caused by a broken pipe, have it fixed by a professional so that you won't be faced with the same situation again.  We all hope to never have to deal with something like this, but if you ever do, the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are there to help 24/7 to clean up and restore your home.

Top Causes of Holiday Fires

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

This kitchen was left torched after a towel was left on the stove.

TOP 7 CAUSES OF ACCIDENTAL HOLIDAY FIRES

Stay safe this holiday season by reviewing SERVPRO’s top causes of holiday fires and be prepared to prevent them.

 The holidays can be such a wonderful time of year as people enjoy putting up decorations, cooking, traveling to visit friends and family and celebrating the time together. But because everyone is operating outside of their normal routine during the holidays, it can also be a recipe for risky behavior and accidents.

As SERVPRO of Society Hill has experienced over the years, one prominent accident that can often occur during the holiday season is unwanted fire! Fires can quickly lead to serious home damage or even injury. That's why it's important to look out for the top causes of holiday fires to ensure you keep your home and family safe throughout the holidays.

1. COOKING FIRES

One of the best parts of celebrating the holidays is the FOOD! Casseroles, cakes, cookies and more, food can be the focal point of the holidays. But when cooking extra food and feeding more people than usual, it can be easy to make mistakes such as leaving the stove unattended. Luckily, you may have additional people around to help monitor hot areas such as the stove and oven. The holidays can be one time where it’s perfectly acceptable to have too many cooks in the kitchen. So, surprise those family members that offer to help this year by accepting their offer!

2. PORTABLE HEATER MALFUNCTIONS

Brrr, it’s cold out there! For those of us who celebrate holidays in colder climates, it’s nice to have some extra heat around. But beware the portable space heater! According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters account for 43% of home fires in the United States! Always read your space heater safety instructions and review the safety precautions with any visitors to your home who may be using the heaters without your supervision.

3. SMOKING IN BEDROOMS

Smoking cigarettes indoors is still a leading cause of home fires. The holidays can add a lot of stress so it’s understandable that some may look to ease the stress with their favorite stress reliever, even something as unhealthy as cigarettes. But when it comes to smoking, it’s best to keep it outside whenever possible and never smoke when in a situation where you may fall asleep such as in a recliner, on the couch or in bed. When in doubt just put it out!

4. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND CORDS OVERHEATING

With decorations comes the need for many plugs and extension cords. Overloaded sockets can sometimes cause sparks or fire. This can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Be sure to only use one extension cord per socket. Also, only use electrical power strips or block adapters that have their own fuse. To stay safe at night, be sure to unplug as many decorations as you can until the morning. Decorations are a wonderful addition to any holiday but be sure to read the safety and proper use instructions every time! 

5. CANDLES LEFT UNATTENDED

There is a reason why many hotels don’t allow guests to light candles in their rooms, they can easily lead to burns or fires. When using candles, be sure to always place candles in a prominent place away from flammable items such as napkins, curtains or clothing. Place a non-flammable object underneath the candle so as the candles burns the heat from the bottom of the candle won’t burn the object it is resting on. Finally, NEVER leave a candle unattended. If you light a candle, remember to blow it out before leaving the area or going to sleep. Turn it into a holiday game by telling the kids they can make a wish for each candle they blow out at the end of the night.

6. GRILLING TOO CLOSE TO THE HOUSE

Grilling can be a delicious addition to the holiday cooking and it’s great when entertaining guests. When grilling in the winter, however, it can be a common mistake to keep the grill close to the house or try grilling on a small porch. When a grill is placed too close to a building it can cause the wall to unsafely heat up, buckle or burn. Grills used on porches or other structures with ceilings can potentially ignite the ceiling as the heat and flames travel upward. So be sure to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any flammable structure both during cooking and after cooking while the grill cools down. And NEVER start a grill or outdoor fire with combustible fuels such as kerosene or gasoline. Use gas grills or self-lighting charcoal whenever possible to easily get your grill heated up to cooking temperature.

7. CURIOUS CHILDREN

The holidays often bring families together with kids in tow. Children can be very curious, especially in a new location. It’s important to remember to put away matches and lighters that may normally be accessible when children aren’t present. Also, make sure flammable liquids such as gasoline are stored safely out of reach in the garage or shed. Kids should also be taught about the dangers of fire whether around a grill, indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit. When cooking smores by the fire, be sure instruct children to never try and put out a burning marshmallow by waving their stick around and accidentally flinging the burning marshmallow into the air!

 The SERVPRO of Society Hill team hopes this list helps you have a safer holiday experience this season and beyond. If an unexpected fire should occur this holiday season leading to damage to your home, please call us for a free quote on repairing the damage and getting your home back to normal!

Happy Holidays!

We can handle all your cleanup needs

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is servicing all medical facility with all cleaning services. Cleaning services for deep cleaning multiple bathrooms and kitchens or cafeterias as well as providing cleaning to any bio hazardous. SERVPRO of Society Hill is the professional in cleaning services and making the facility look at its optimum. We also specialize in fire and water damages cleanups. We want to take care of our community and want you to know that we are here for your home and business 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Give us a call, and we will have a crew immediately out to help and clean in any way possible to get the facility back to running during regular business hours. We understand the importance of your work environment, and safety! Trust the professionals at SERVPRO Society Hill!

Tis the Season to get Your Fireplace Cleaned!

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

This fireplace needs to be cleaned before its next use to avoid the risk of a much larger fire.

It's almost that time of year again. Where the family is gonna gather round the warmth of the fireplace. An before you throw those logs on and spark it up, its very important that your fireplace and chimney are properly cleaned. During the spring an summer seasons when your fireplace is not in use a variety of things could have built up in the chimney. Such as soot, leaves and sticks, or even a variety of critters! A chimney is a great place for birds,squirrels, and other varmints to build there nests. Whether the critter is still there or not this still is a huge risk or starting a fire. Always take a flashlight an do a self inspection to make sure your chimney flue is clear of all debris. Even if you think you've done a sufficient cleaning, its always safe to have a professional come out an inspect it properly. If you own a gas fireplace make sure all gas lines are tightly secured, and don't have any leaks. Although it may seem alright to leave it untended. you should always turn it off when leaving your home or going to sleep. Fireplaces are nice an cozy, but if not properly cleaned an attended to they can become a huge fire risk for your home. So just follow the step given an you and your family can enjoy your fires safely! From all of us at SERVPRO of Society Hill have a great fall/winter seasons!

Safety Tips When Heating Your Home With a Space Heater

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

As you can see if you don't watch where you put blankets this is what can happen with a space heater.

With colder weather on the way, many people will be bringing out their space heaters. An if you don't take the right safety measures, they can be a huge fire risk. Space heaters are the second leading cause for house fires in the United States. Up to 65,000 house fires a year are started from these heaters.  A space heater fire can put a whole home in flames in a matter of seconds. Here are some safety measures that should be taken when using a space heater.

• Inspect the heater for any broken plugs,and loose or damaged wires.
• Putting your space heater in the proper place is very important. Make sure its 3 feet away from any furniture, clothing, paper, rugs, or anything that can burn
• Whenever leaving the room make sure to turn off the heater.
• Keep out of high traffic areas to prevent a tripping hazard, or possibility of knocking it over
• When not in use, unplug and store in proper place

From all of us here at SERVPRO of Society Hill. Have a enjoyable and safe fall and winter seasons! 

Providing All Your Cleanup Services

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Water is being extracted here by one of our techs. This is in a medical facility lobby.

SERVPRO of Society Hill is servicing all medical facility with all cleaning services. Cleaning services for deep cleaning multiple bathrooms and kitchens or cafeterias as well as providing cleaning to any bio hazardous. SERVPRO of Society Hill is the professional in cleaning services and making the facility look at its optimum. We also specialize in fire and water damages cleanups. We want to take care of our community and want you to know that we are here for your home and business 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Give us a call, and we will have a crew immediately out to help and clean in any way possible to get the facility back to running during regular business hours.  We understand the importance of your work environment, and safety! Trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill!

Frozen Pipes Can Be A Big Issue In The Winter!

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

This pipe is a big bursting hazard and if not handled quickly could break.

With the cold weather bearing down our necks. It raises concern about pipes freezing in homes and businesses. When pipes freeze it leaves a huge mess of water damage to your homes and businesses. That is when you call SERVPRO of Society Hill to help you clean up the mess and fix the areas that were damaged from the water damage. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we make it our job to make sure that the customer is happy with the outcome of the job.

Here are a couple things that will help to prevent this disaster from happening:

• Keep your home or apartment thermostat temperature set to at least 55 degrees.

• Do not block heat to areas of your residence that contain plumbing or water fixtures. Keep doors open to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and cabinets that contain pipes, especially those located on the north side of the dwelling, to expose the plumbing to warmer air inside the house.

• Prevent drafts of cold winter air by keeping windows and storm windows closed. Repair cracks or holes around doors and windows to keep cold air from blowing in.

• Cover pipes in unheated areas with heat tape or pipe insulation. Make sure heat tapes are properly installed and working safely.

• If you plan to be away from your residence for an extended period of time, ask someone to check your house or apartment periodically. Show them what to do if water pipes freeze and where to locate your water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.

Responding Fast to Storm Damage

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

These storm clouds rolled through Philadelphia. bringing heavy rain and tornado warnings.

SERVPRO of Society Hill specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are the largest company nationwide to handle large losses.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre storm condition.  Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Which in the end either gets your home back to normal sooner or gets your business up and running for you to continue work and make your profit like it never happened.  When storms hit Philadelphia, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Soot & Smoke Damage is a SERVPRO Specialty.

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire causes soot damage to the walls.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to personal property and structures. Quick action is the only way to minimize the destruction. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC, is a globally recognized organization whose mission is to establish higher industry standards. As a referral source for consumers, IICRC certified firms are more likely to provide a faster, better service than non-certified competitors.Restoration costs increase and damages escalate when the cleaning process is extended. By hastening the hiring process and using an IICRC certified technician, owners will be rewarded by having the damage stopped so repairs can begin.What happens only minutes after the disaster?Immediately after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property. Discoloration of porous materials is permanent, but other surfaces may be properly cleaned to remove the discoloration. Acidic soot begins staining other surfaces if not treated quickly.Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage. Wooden furniture may require refinishing. Metal begins to rust, pit and corrode. Painted walls begin to yellow. Clothing can become permanently stained. And finally, flooring may require refinishing or replacement.If left untreated, within weeks the restoration process will take longer and cost more. Prolonged soot exposure permanently harms all surfaces and embeds in fibers. Replacement of property may be the best option at this point. The structure may continue deteriorating if not properly restored by SERVPRO of Society Hill.

Safety With Heating Your Home

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

When using a space heater be very mindful where you are placing it.

The fall season is in full swing - the days are shorter and the temperature is lower. No matter where you live, fall/winter bring a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplace cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters and wood burning stoves. Heating is the second leading cause of home fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.  When using a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to help prevent sparks from flying into the room. Spent fireplace ashes should be cool before removing and putting them into a metal container. The container should be stored away from your home or business.  Also all heaters need space. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heating equipment.  For all your heating safety tips, and heating damages contact SERVPRO of Society Hill.

Preparing for the Upcoming Seasons and the Weather they bring!

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

As we enter the end of 2019, we also enter into the bad weather season in Philadelphia. While this feels like holiday fun, we have to stay prepared. As we've begun to experience rain, snow, and sleet here at SERVPRO of Society Hill, we've begun to get calls reporting water damage. With the importance of being quick to respond to salvage what we can. We had to act fast of course to prevent mold, but we ask for your vigilance as well. Before consistent rain hits, clean your gutters and if you are able, get your roof examined for any damage. We would like to have people prepared this season to prevent you from suffering a water damage. But if you do suffer from one, don't stress. You can reach out to  SERVPRO of Society Hill and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

What to expect from SERVPRO when dealing with a water damage.

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage. We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Society Hill has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.  When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Water Damage in a Philadelphia High Rise Condominium Complex

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill was called out to a job in a high rise condominium complex last week for a unit that was affected by a pipe burst a few floors above.  The new owner was in the process of moving in and need the situation looked at right away.  The damage was located in a closet, and affected the walls and carpeted floor.  After the readings were taken it showed that the wall still had moisture and the carpet was stained.  The light fixture in the closet also had some noticeable water the had leaked into it.  Although there was still some moisture our SERVPRO of Society Hill professionals determined that it would cost the owner less to do the drying and carpet cleaning himself.  He was pleased with our honesty and knowledge that we shared with him.

Weathering the Storm!

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

When storms hit Society Hill Philadelphia, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. There is NO job too big for us because we all work together to help you. Anything from a flooded basement to a burst pipe down 20 floors of a skyscraper, we are there for you. Feel comfortable and safe knowing you can call us 24/7, 365 days a year.  Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. With our location in Philadelphia, SERVPRO of Society Hill is able to get a experienced professional crew out in a timely manner because we understand how important it is for you.

Being prepared if your water heater or pipes break!

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

The winter months are approaching and with extreme cold weather it can lead to water freezing in pipes and causing them to expand and break. When a water heater goes or a pipe bursts it doesn't take long for water damage to settle in and become a problem.Water damage can lead to ruined furniture, damaged walls and the possibility of mold to develop if not treated properly. At SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to be ready for when disaster strikes. The picture below is from a water damage job where a basement was flooded due to a water heater breaking which resulted in the basement floors being flooded affecting the floors, walls and surrounding items. At SERVPRO of Society Hill we are here to help you get your mess cleaned up fast and get your basement back.

Official Members of the GPHEA

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

GPHEA Trade Show

We are pleased to announce our membership with the Greater Philadelphia Hotels Engineers Association. Thank you for the opportunity and we look forward to participating in the future. At SERVPRO of Society Hill we are always looking to better ourselves and grow as a franchise to help assist our customers. Joining something like this gives us a better handle on how to handle larger jobs more efficiently and hear different ideas and speak to different people. This is just an example of one of the many ways we try to exceed our customers expectations with always learning the best way to handle damages, the latest equipment, making sure everyone becomes certified in what they do. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we care about your home or business and we want you up and running as soon as possible.

It's that April Showers Month!

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

We all worry about losing power or being stuck somewhere when it comes to storms. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we worry about all the above but the most important is keeping the storm outside and keeping your residential house or place of business dry. The last thing you want to do is have to walk down to a basement with four feet of water in there or a second floor ceiling leaking due to a faulty roof that should have been replaced years ago. It can be a very painful process to see your home get torn apart and very uncomfortable as a temporary living situation. With this being said SERVPRO of Society Hill always recommends to stay up on your maintenance of your home or business. A replaced roof or a better sealed basement structure could be the difference between a week of heartache and thousands of dollars rather than just taking the simple precautions. Now we understand there is also the uncontrollable when it gets bad enough such as a hurricane and can destroy anything in its path. In either scenario when the worst happens just know that SERVPRO of Society Hill is on your side.   

Taking Fire damage Head On!

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

There are times when the worst happens and you can not control when a fire occurs on in your property. This is a fire started on the roof of Letitia Street in Philadelphia affecting five floors plus common hallways and the lobby. Our crew worked together to keep each tenant satisfied through the process of the cleanup. We chemical sponge brushed the entire structure. We ran vapor sharks and we had air scrubbers with charcoal filters to eliminate odors and performed demolition on anything that could not be restored. This way we could bring in brand new dry wall and kitchen cabinets to replace, remove the odors of the smog, and make it feel like it never happened. We were however able to salvage the floors as we use our top of the line equipment to make the process as quick and cost effective as possible. The picture below shows how hard SERVPRO of Society Hill worked to save the original hardwood floors. With in a total of 3 days we were able to have this home completely restored. Next time you have a fire do not hesitate to call us at 215-772-1203 and know you are in good hands. 

NO Loss or Disaster to Large!

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster Support Year Round!

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Our commercial loss division is only the best in the restoration business.   Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.  Also seeing that storms and natural disasters can strike at anytime and without notice.  SERVPRO of Society Hill is prepared for the unpredictable 24/7 and 365 days a year.  The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood.  There is no worse feeling then thinking you have lost everything.  We strive to get families and business back on there feet no matter the circumstances.  

ERP's and the Readiness They Bring to Handling a Damage

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

ERP's are free of charge, and well worth it!

What is an ERP you ask, well it stands for Emergency Ready Profiles.  These are very beneficial to property manager and building engineers in large commercial buildings.  Having a ready plan in place can save your business and building. A trained SERVPRO of Society Hill will walk through your building with you and fill out all the information needed.  After completion all you have to do is download an App on your phone or tablet, and you have all the information one click away.  Paper versions are also available.  These ERP's come in handy when an emergency occurs and someone not familiar with the building needs important information. Changes and updates can always be made through the App whenever they may occur.  This is all done at no charge to you or your building.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Who To Call On For All Your Restoration Needs!

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

When Disaster Strikes That's When SERVPRO of Society Hill Clocks In!

It's 3 o'clock in the morning and there is water shooting in every direction from a burst pipe in your basement.  The water is rising fast, and you think to yourself no one is going to help me at this time of night. While disasters do not work a 9-5, neither does SERVPRO of Society Hill.  We work on disaster time 24 hours a day 7 days a week-even on holidays as well.  Our trained specialists are equipped and prepared to spring into action moments after the call comes in.  Not only do we respond in a quick and timely matter, but the job is done right the first time no if, ans, or buts.  Other companies may leave you waiting until the morning which is going to cause more damage on your property, and your wallet.  So remember no matter the time or circumstance don't panic, call SERVPRO of Society Hill to take care of all your restoration needs.   

Common Causes of Fire in Commercial Buildings

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire at a High Rise Commercial Building

One place that is responsible for most commercial building fires is the kitchen.  One reason being all of the equipment such as; deep fryers, ovens, grease hoods, ranges, grills, and rotisseries are just a few.  Always use extreme caution in the kitchen, as well as keeping the proper extinguishers to contain a small fire before it gets out of hand.  Studies show that about 3,300 office fires break out every year.  Once again one of the leading causes is cooking equipment that is not being used properly or left unattended.  Coffee makers, toasters ovens, and microwaves, are the main fire stating appliances.  Also offices contain a lot of flammable/combustible materials.  When a fire does start it can easily spread and grow rapidly.  That is why all materials should be stored and disposed of correctly, reducing the damage a fire may cause.  Always have a planned prepared in the case a fire were to occur.  Fire alarms along with commercial sprinkler systems, and a planned exit strategy play a huge roll in fire safety.  Frequent maintenance on alarms and sprinklers to see that they are working properly  is crucial as well.  In the event of any type of fire in your commercial building, SERVPRO of Society Hill has the experienced professionals to clean up any destruction a fire may bring.

Tornado Safety Tips

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Always be prepared for a tornado!

Tornado's although not very common can be very unpredictable, as well as extremely destructive.  There is no fool proof plan to guarantee safety during a tornado, but there are actions that can be taken to increase you're odds of staying safe and injury free.  Being prepared is the most important step you can take.  Having a plan and a place to take shelter is the first thing that should be planned out.  Followed by having supplies ready such as fresh batteries, radio, and a emergency kit.  Be aware of the weather especially if thunderstorms are in the forecast.  A tornado can form without warning and rapidly at times.  Some warning signs include, a dark/green sky, a large low lying dark cloud, hail, and a loud noise similar to a freight train. When taking shelter you want to find a basement or the lowest lying room without windows.  Make sure to always protect your head, and cover yourself in a blanket or sleeping bag.  Just staying prepared is always the number one safety step.  If a tornado were ever to strike, just know that SERVPRO of Society Hill has the experience and tools to clean up any damages!

Dealing with Mold after Flooding or Heavy Rain

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

This is the result of not acting quickly after a flood damaged a basement.

After a flood or even just a heavy rain mold can always become an issue!  If you ever find yourself dealing with a water damage that could become mold issue contact SERVPRO of Society Hill.  Responding quickly is the first action to take.  The quicker we can get out there the less damage will occur and more time and money will be saved.  Also it lowers the chance of mold spores spreading throughout the flooded area.  The first action SERVPRO of Society Hill will take is make sure there is good ventilation in the building so that air can circulate.  Water extraction is the next step, making sure to remove as much standing water as possible.  Any items that may have already been affected by mold will be disposed in a sealed back to prevent any spreading.  Affected items that must be kept will be cleaned properly by the experts of SERVPRO of Society Hill.  The two main keys to mold prevention is 1. Keeping everything clean and 2. Keeping everything as dry as possible. Following these steps as well as keeping the number for SERVPRO of Society Hill handy will be great steps in preventing mold.

How to handle the fire aftermath

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire's can bring a wave of emotions after a they burn through a home.  Long after the flames and smoke have been extinguished. Families are still faced with the stress, fear, and uncertainty about the future of the home or property.  So after the firefighters have put the flames to rest, it's good to know what and what not to do until SERVPRO of Society Hill comes in for the mitigation process. Here are some tips of what can be done before help arrives:

• Limit movement in the area to prevent soot particles from spreading. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Place clean towels or or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery. 
• Do not wash walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.

So, before you risk causing more damage by attempting to clean up fire damage yourself, follow these steps and call the experts of SERVPRO of Society Hill.

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Christmas tree Fires can burn a home down in minutes! Also be safe when decorating with a real tree.

The holiday season is upon us and many people will be decorating there homes for this festive time of year.  While these decorations are quite a site to see, they also come with some dangers.  One of the biggest potential hazards is Christmas trees.  A tree after it is cut needs to be properly watered to keep it from drying out.  Even after a while a properly watered tree will eventually dry out.  Soon after the holidays make sure you dispose of your tree properly, because this is when most fires occur.  When going to sleep or leaving your home always make sure to unplug any lights on the tree.  Most tree fires start because lights were left plugged in overnight or while away.  Also make sure trees are a safe distance from any heat source such as space heaters, fire places, and any furnaces.  Follow these tips to ensure that you have a safe and happy holidays!  If disaster does happen to strike this holiday season, SERVPRO of Society Hill is one call away ready to respond!

Mold Remediation vs. Mold Removal

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

Drywall covered in mold.

Many people believe that mold remediation and mold removal mean the same thing however, they are different. Mold remediation is the removal and treatment of the mold, so mold does not regrow in the area. Mold removal is just the removal of mold. Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours once water gets into your property. Mold spores flourish wherever there is moisture. These spores can rapidly grow into colonies when exposed to water. Sources of moisture or water must therefore be addressed before mold remediation can start, or else the mold may return. Mold remediation is something that SERVPRO Society Hill specialists in. When SERVPRO Society Hill goes out to a mold job, we want to make sure that all the mold is removed and treated properly so it doesn't come back. 

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Studies show that cooking is the main cause for most home fires and burn related injuries. With Thanksgiving being the busiest cooking day of the year.  It's good to know some safety tips to have a safe, and happy Thanksgiving holiday.  

• Never leave food that is cooking unattended, especially when frying or broiling food. The stove should be turned off if you must leave the kitchen
• Keep anything that could easily catch fire a safe distance away from flames, or hot surfaces. Examples such as; potholders,towels of any material, paper or plastic bags, and wooden utensils.
• Cooking surfaces should be kept clean to prevent grease buildup.
• Always make sure to check the kitchen before leaving the home or going to bed.  Check to see that all ovens, stoves and appliances are shut off and stored correctly. 
• Have a fire extinguisher near by, and know how to properly use it if needed. Also smoke alarms should be checked monthly to see if properly functioning. 

SERVPRO of Society Hill wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!  

Immediate Fire Restoration and why its Important

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

Begging of restoration from a kitchen fire.

Fires can be a devastating when they occur.  It is crucial though when a fire strikes that you get the restoration process started immediately.  The longer that it is put off the harder and more repairs will be needed. This also means the price of repairs goes up as well.  SERVPRO of Society Hill specializes in fire damage and restoration.  Contacting us is the first step in getting the restoration underway. SERVPRO will try to save as many of your home and personal belongings that we can. Remember that safety comes first, so if there’s no way to safely gain access into your home, then stay out until SERVPRO professionals arrive.  On arrival we perform a thorough cleanup using our industrial-grade products and equipment, such as dry cleaning soot sponges to remove loose soot and specialized vacuum filters to clean carpet and upholstery.  Unfortunately fires happen, but when they do make sure you act quickly to get the damage cleaned up.  SERVPRO of Society Hill takes fire damage and leaves it "Like it never even happened." 

Flood Safety Tips

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Floods can happen at anytime, and be caused from a variety of circumstances. Whether it's from rain, or from an inside source in the building. Here we will provide a list of safety tips for before, during, and after a flood.

Before

• Make sure any cracks or openings to the building are sealed securely.
• Clean out all gutters, drains, and downspouts.
• If there is a sump pump in the building, make sure to have an automatic secondary backup.
• Create an emergency plan with a designated meeting place

During

• Move any valuables or items that you don't want damaged to a higher area.
• Shut off electrical, furnace, gas and water, and disconnect appliances if safe.
• If serious enough not only move items to raised area, but move yourself to higher ground.
• Always remain calm and listen for any updates if the flooding is serious enough

After

• Clean, disinfect and dry every flood-contaminated room.
• Look for signs of mold contamination.
• Keep fans running to dry affected areas
• Remove pooled water and damaged materials
• Report the damage to your insurance provider and local municipality.

Hopefully these tips will help you stay safe when floods do occur. Don't forget that SERVPRO of Society Hill is always on duty to help clean up when flood's try to wash you out!

Burst or Leaking Pipes

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Leaking Pipe in a Basement.

Bursting or leaking pipes is one of the most common ways that houses get water damage. Drains and toilets that get backed up and blocked can cause undue pressure in the pipe, which then causes it to burst or leak. Garbage disposals that aren’t working properly are another common reason for pipes to burst, as are roots that grow in the yard into the sewer lines. Old or rusty pipes are also more prone to leaking. If your pipes do burst and cause water damage call SERVPRO Society Hill. They will come and fix the damage fast and efficiently, so everyone can get back to there regular lives. SERVPRO Society Hill will make sure that the room looks like it did before the water damage happened.

Here are some ways to prevent any of these situation from happening in your home.

1. Ensure that any outside taps and piping including drain pipes for heating or overflow pipes are insulated. You can use insulating lagging or foam to do this but make sure you do not leave any joints, bends or taps exposed. For outside taps fitted covers are available.
2. Any piping that are in unheated areas such as lofts, basements and garages all need to be lagged with good quality pipe lagging.
3. Any pipes buried in the ground outside such as pipes to garages or sheds need to be buried deep enough and/or lagged.
4. Insulate your cold water tank, this is so often forgotten and can be the major cause of Burst Pipes.
5. Leave your heating on at least 12 degrees centigrade at all times throughout cold spells. This will keep the system warm enough not to Burst Pipes and the water flowing.
6. Fix any dripping taps or existing leaks before the cold spell. Many Burst Pipes happen because of leaks.

Hurricane Florence Relief

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

The damage that hurricane Florence left behind was just disastrous! Many families lost everything, and if all was not lost there was destruction all over. People returned home to find chaos and no direction to turn. All though many crews and people have responded to help bring relief to the Carolina's. SERVPRO of Society Hill was one of the many SERVPRO franchises to send out crews to help out in this troubling time. With are experienced staff we are just trying to help out in anyway. No matter how small or big the help may be SERVPRO is up for the task. With the extent of water damage throughout the regions, our team is rapidly working to get that water out and start restoring. Loaded with all the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This isn't a job that will be done over night, or in a few days. It will take time, but with all the help from countless SERVPRO teams working together. Its only a matter of time before people and families are living their lives again "Like it never even happened."

Electrical Fires

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical Outlet on Fire

Electrical fires are the most common fires in houses. They also are one of the hardest fires to put out due to the constant charge that the electric gives out. Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electricaloutlets and old, outdated appliances. Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains, and rugs that can start a fire. Running cords under rugs is another cause of electrical fires. The amount of electrical fires increase in the months of December and January due to the increase of heating appliances and the increase of lights used. Therefore, to prevent this disaster from happening use newer appliances and make sure that the outlets in your house are updated. If this disaster does happen SERVPRO Society Hill will clean and restore your house back to the way it was. SERVPRO Society Hill will make sure your house looks like nothing even happened. 

Frozen Pipes

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe Leak

With the cold weather right around the corner. It raises concern about pipes freezing in homes and businesses. When pipes freeze it leaves a huge mess of water damage to your homes and businesses. That is when you call SERVPRO to help you clean up the mess and fix the areas that were damaged from the water damage. Here at SERVPRO we make it our job to make sure that the customer is happy with the outcome of the job.

Here are a couple things that will help to prevent this disaster from happening:

• Keep your home or apartment thermostat temperature set to at least 55 degrees.

• Do not block heat to areas of your residence that contain plumbing or water fixtures. Keep doors open to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and cabinets that contain pipes, especially those located on the north side of the dwelling, to expose the plumbing to warmer air inside the house.

• Prevent drafts of cold winter air by keeping windows and storm windows closed. Repair cracks or holes around doors and windows to keep cold air from blowing in.

• Cover pipes in unheated areas with heat tape or pipe insulation. Make sure heat tapes are properly installed and working safely.

• If you plan to be away from your residence for an extended period of time, ask someone to check your house or apartment periodically. Show them what to do if water pipes freeze and where to locate your water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.

Humidity Causes Mold

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

A basement with mold on the walls.

With another heat wave coming to an end. It raises concern about the mold that is forming in buildings. If the weather's been very humid for a few days in a row you might notice mold starting to grow indoors. Also, if you live where humidity in the air is naturally high, like by the coast or another large body of water, then mold growth indoors can also be a recurring problem. When these damages happen SERVPRO will step in and solve the problem. SERVPRO will get the job done so it looks like it never happened. SERVPRO will also get the job done in a timely manor, so everyone can get back to their daily activities. Here are some tips of areas to find humidity and mold and signs to look for if you have mold.

Location of humidity and mold

• Basement
• Crawl Space

Symptoms of humidity and mold

• A musty odor in your home, basement or crawl space
• Visible mold growth
• Allergy symptoms
• Increase in small insects within your home
• Visible condensation
• Peeling wallpaper and or paint

Wawa Welcome America!

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

We will be sponsoring the Wawa Welcome to America event from June 28 to July 4. Come check us out at the greatest event in Philly celebrating the nation birth place with fun and free events for the whole family and fireworks! Who doesn't love fire works?! Do not forget to mark your calendar for this fun event in the area! It is free event for everyone with activities for everyone from little kids to the adults. Lets celebrate America's birthday! SERVPRO is a pillar in the communities we work in and love to give back. This is just one of our many events we sponsor or give back to. It means a lot to us to be able to provide for the community or first responders for example because of how much they do for us. It truly is an honor to be a part of these wonderful events.  

Smoke Alarms

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Kidde i4618 Ionization Smoke Alarm, Hardwired with 9V Battery Backup

Fire prevention is one of the most important things for you and your family. Ensuring that your home has smoke alarms are one of the first steps in fire prevention. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused because of no smoke alarm or no working smoking alarm. Smoke alarm cut the risk of people dying. Hardwired fire alarms operated 94% of the time versus battery powered alarms. The battery may tend to fail because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and can detect a fire faster during the night hours when you are sleeping to give you extra time to safety assist or waken others to evacuate from a fire.

Mold Testing

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

In this day and age, you can order any testing online. But mold testing isn't something we recommend that you purchase online and start collecting a sample because of the cost and the incorrect readings which can lead to the potential for more growth of mold which is a danger to you and your family health. Let the professional of SERVPRO assist you any mold testing and mold removal. Testing for mold is essential especially after a flood or leak due to a natural disaster or leak within the structure. We want to ensure that your safety and your health is protected when it comes to mold issues so always reconsider hiring a professional when you want to test for mold in your home and business.

Flooded Basement

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington/Mount Holly, we would like to provide some tips to all homeowners when the basement gets flooded
Shut off all electricity to the area
Find the source of water
If its rainwater wait until the rain stops
if its water from a pipe turn off the water shut off valve
Call SERVPRO to remove water and to dry up the basement

Types of Damages Water Can Cause

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill wants you to have an understanding of the different types of water damages.Preventing water damage is the primary challenge for any structure seeking durability. Thermally efficient homes do not dry out as quickly as the energy wasting houses of older generations. Newer, engineered lumber products are less tolerant of frequent wetting. Most damage hides behind finishes, with long term negative impacts on indoor-air quality.The most common and destructive type of water damage is typically rain related and includes many sources:

Water seepage though basement walls.

Leaks through walls at areas like doors and windows

Roof leaks, usually through penetrations and flashing errors

Plumbing leaks, an outlier but relevant

Bulk water leaks come in many forms from the rare catastrophic plumbing failure to the more common hidden leak that causes its damage over many years. Homeowner maintenance goes a long way to preventing and reducing problems. For those building new, we suggest hiring builders who take these matters seriously. We think blower door test results offer a fair measurement for distinguishing between builders for this type of hidden craftsmanship.Uncontrolled, random air leaks are responsible for the second leading cause of water and moisture damage in our homes and buildings. Humid-air will deposit its moisture on cold surfaces which adds up over time to an amazing amount of moisture and resulting damage. This type of damage rarely reveals itself in the ways bulk water intrusion does but it still causes serious problems behind the finished surfaces.Air leaks do most of their damage in the form of energy costs. Reducing air infiltration and ex-filtration is often pointed to as one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing energy costs and resulting environmental impacts. Increasing comfort is another huge reason to pay close attention to this important issue. Vapor diffusion is a confusing subject. There are two main ways it does damage in our climate.

When moisture reservoir cladding (masonry, fiber cement siding, stucco) gets saturated with rain and the sun or warm outdoor temperatures drive the stored moisture towards the inside. Interior vapor barriers like vinyl wallpaper increases interior vapor drive problems. Expect more damage in our region with masonry against wood common practices.

In the wintertime, when exterior sheathing or framing is cold and interior humidity is too high.Amy has blogs on the subject of wintertime humidity in homes. Keep interior humidity below 40% during cold weather. Exterior sheathing helps keep vulnerable structural members warmer, thus safer from risky dew points.Its common for people to misdiagnose a vapor diffusion problem for one of the first two. When evaluating water damage, suspect number one is bulk water. Most mold inside hidden building cavities, not exposed to bulk water is caused by air leakage.If still unsure about the differences of uncontrolled air movement and vapor diffusion, this blog may help:Breathing Walls?Siding or exterior finish materials that store water can become a problem if not detailed correctly. Selecting the right Weather Resistive Barriers are important along with the right installation details. Rain screens –technically required by code for brick– are an easy way to add durability and reduced maintenance to these types of exterior.Water is lazy but also persistent. It will defy gravity given the right substrates and conditions. It starts in design with features that readily shed water and are less prone to problems. Know and account for the main weaknesses during assembly on site. Prove the project is airtight with a blower door test. These are some of the most important ways of increasing the durability of homes and buildings.

Prepare For It

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness for Drinking Water Utilities from SERVPRO of Society Hill

Drinking water utilities need to take precautions in advance of the arrival of a hurricane. Public water suppliers in the possible path of the storm should prepare for high winds, storm surge, torrential rain, flooding and extended power outages. To help utilities provide continuity of service to its customers before, during and after the storm, the following actions are recommended:

• Water Storage - Fill your storage tanks to help you meet demand during a power outage and to help anchor your tanks during high winds and inundation.
• Back Up Power - Fill fuel tanks for your generators. Exercise each generator under load to be sure it is running properly and power transfer is reliable. Assume a lengthy power outage. Estimate the time that you will be able to meet demand with the back-up power, fuel and water storage you have on hand. Identify several possible locations where fuel can be procured in case your primary supplier becomes unable to deliver.
• Continuity of Operation - Contact all essential employees to place them on alert. Make sure that sufficient staff will be on duty throughout the expected storm duration. Provide enough food and clean water for staff working extended shifts. Have them bring extra dry clothes, and consider providing sleeping arrangements so that extended duty staff do not become overly tired.
• Chemical and Fuel Storage - Check tanks to be sure you have enough essential chemicals (e.g. disinfectant) to get you through the storm. Check tank anchoring to be sure they are protected from wind damage and buoyancy forces (floating or overturning) should they become inundated.
• Water Sources - Identify sources that may become inundated. Prepare to remove sources from service, prior to inundation, that may be susceptible to damage from inundation or intrusion by flood born pathogens or salt water.
• Emergency Communications - Check your emergency communications equipment to be sure it is in good working order. Charge all batteries, or replace with fresh ones. Distribute communication equipment to appropriate staff.
• Public Communications - Be prepared to provide public information as needed. Check contact information with local radio and television stations. If you do not have storage and/or dedicated backup power sufficient for 3 days, consider pre-preparing water conservation advisory notices that can be issued if needed.
• Vehicles - Fill vehicle fuel tanks to be sure they are ready for use in response to the storm. Provide essential equipment (radios, instruments, tools, safety equipment, lights, ropes, etc.).

Watch For Mold

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

Philadelphia homes are known for their ability to withstand the harsh environments that come through the fall and winter every year. What you may not understand, is that a compromised roof could allow moisture to seep into the attic space from snow or ice on the shingles that have not melted away. When this new moisture is allowed to continue unchecked in your attic space, mold can find plenty of places to grow.Since mold damage to your Philadelphia residence typically happens involving organic materials, you should appreciate the options available in your attic right now. Most construction uses plywood backing against the joists of your roof, and all of these components provide the right base for a mold colony to successfully feed and grow. It is a good idea to get in the habit of periodically checking up in your attic area for the presence or signs of molding, especially if you are not one to typically go into this area of your house.While you should be able to smell the overwhelming musty scent of a thriving colony, sometimes this can be difficult to do if you have a decent ventilation system in place. Visual inspections can also be misleading at times, as newly forming colonies are not often overly noticeable to the naked eye.Our SERVPRO of Society Hill technicians can provide inspections of your attic space to provide assurances that fungus is not currently present and that the conditions of your attic are not likely to create these organisms in the future. If something is found, our technicians begin their remediation work right away.The process is all about preventing the spread of the fungus by neutralizing its spores in the air. The neutralization procedure uses a negative air chamber. Once these spores have been contained, thoroughly cleaning the area is the next step. This process changes based on the type of mold and how deeply it is rooted, but all of the colonies get removed at this time.

Better Safe Than Sorry

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

Better safe than sorry is an all too common saying that holds a lot of value. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to be prepared for the worst. SERVPRO of Society Hill believes in being READY.  One of the first ways of doing this is to have an emergency supply kit.  It may be different depending on what type of disasters you are likely to encounter but this is a good starter list. Put this emergency kit in a safe place that easily able to be found by all members of your family. 

• Water ( one gallon water per person per day)
• Food ( non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Battery-operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal help
• Dust mask
• Hygiene items
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Local Maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Cash
• Important documents
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches

We care about the well being of you and your loved ones so this is why we recommend taking the proper precautions in being ready. You never know what could happen but whenever you reside in the Philadelphia area, just know that SERVPRO of Society Hill has your back.  

Mold Remediation

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. If you suspect that your Stowe home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Society Hill can inspect, assess and perform remediation of your property.

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Check Your Pipes!

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

As the weather is getting colder upon us in the winter months we are all aware that water freezes. With that being said we have had a stretch of some of the coldest days to date this year in Philadelphia. Along with that can come many issues such as frozen bursting pipes and as a friendly reminder to you SERVPRO of Society Hill wants to make sure you are turning off your necessary water valves so this does not happen to your home or commercial building. Something this simple can cause a closet to get wet or something as serious as multiple floors and multiple units in a commercial building that can cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our highly trained project managers deal with this on a regular basis and we do not want this to happen to you when it is controllable. Although when the worst happens you know who to call to make sure you are in good hands.

Mold From Heat

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

When temperatures have started to heat up, which means your home is at a greater risk for mold growth. Mold spores can grow in temperatures ranging from 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for mold growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a common temperature range in our area.

As the winter weather falls further into the rear-view, it is time to be even more cautious of any possible moisture or water damage on your property. In order to reproduce, mold spores require moist or damp areas. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are prime areas for mold to grow. Also be on the lookout for flooding, leaky pipes/windows/roof, etc., and call a professional right away should any of these problems occur. 

SERVPRO of Society Hill has highly trained and experienced crew members ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Do You Have a Mold Problem?

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. You can call SERVPRO of Society Hill to take care of you!

Prepare for the Season

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

As we enter the end of 2017, we also enter into the bad weather season in Philadelphia. While this feels like holiday fun, we have to stay prepared. As we've begun to experience rain, snow, and sleet here at SERVPRO, we've begun to get calls reporting water damage. With the importance of being quick to respond to salvage what we can. We had to act fast of course to prevent mold, but we ask for your vigilance as well. Before consistent rain hits, clean your gutters and if you are able, get your roof examined for any damage. We would like to have people prepared this season to prevent you from suffering a water damage. But if you do suffer from one, don't stress. You can call us here at SERVPRO of Society Hill at 215 772 1203 and we will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Hydrating Hero's

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fleets getting ready to start donating cases of water!

We are excited to announcing that SERVPRO of Society Hill will be participating in Hydrating Hero's once again this year. We collect as much donations as possible and give back to the community to our rescuers and first repsonders. All local franchises involved get together with hundreds and hundreds of cases of water to donate to those who serve our community such as first responders, fire fighters, EMT's and all those who help the community in times of need. We donate all this just to show a little token of our gratitude for how they risk their lives on a day to day basis to keep the community safe. We are very active in giving back and donating in any way we can. Our job is to be ready for whatever happens and be prepared for any type of emergency so we appreciate those who make it easier for us to perform our jobs. For that SERVPRO of Society Hill thanks you!

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the majority of them have had a preparedness plan already created. In the event your business is affected by a disaster, your clients and employees will have peace of mind if you are ready for whatever happens.

Creating a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. At no cost to you, SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. 

Hydrating Heroes

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO spent Friday afternoon delivering and donating cases of water to over 100 First Responder organizations in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia locations. Over 1,800 cases of water was delivered and donated on December 9th, 2016. We will continue to deliver cases of water throughout our territory each month to show our First Responders how much we appreciate all their dedication and service each day. It was a great day and we thank everyone who came out to help make this event such a success!

Home Fire Campaign

11/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO partnered with the American Red Cross and local Fire Departments going house to house in the Willingboro area installing free smoke detectors. We donated cases of water and provided breakfast for all the volunteers. SERVPRO cares about our community and we always want to give what we can back. We were broken up into teams of four to document, install and educate each resident. For residents who were not home we left packets on each door to give them the opportunity to call their local fire department to schedule a time for them to stop back. The 11 groups were able to hit about 800 houses and installed 216 smoke detectors. This is the third time this year this campaign has taken place and this year alone 800 smoke detectors have been installed in the state of New Jersey. It was a beautiful day to walk around Willingboro to increase the chances of saving a life. 

SERVPRO Goes Pink for October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Breast Cancer Awareness Month PINK October and research

October is breast cancer awareness month. Every year, more than 100,000 volunteers and activists work through more than 120 Affiliates mobilize more than 1.6 million friends and neighbors every year through events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® - the world's largest awareness and fundraising event for breast cancer. Komen advocates for breast self-awareness as a primary method for fighting breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. We provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. In 2016-2017, BCRF will award $57 million in annual grants to more than 250 scientists from top universities and medical institutions around the globe. In addition, BCRF has established the Evelyn H. Lauder Founder’s Fund, a multi-year international program dedicated to metastasis that is the first large-scale global effort to unravel the biology of metastasis, with more than $30 million earmarked to date. It is the largest privately funded project exclusively focused on metastasis in the world. But we still have more to do.

Funeral Directors: SERVPRO can Help Your Business Grow

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help funeral homes and funeral directors grow their businesses

SERVPRO attends many events throughout or workweek. Next week we have a benefit sponsoring the families of injured or sick emergency workers. This past week, we sponsored an event for funeral homes and funeral directors.

We learned about those businesses and enjoyed meeting many different people who are experts in the funeral industry. We also were able to demonstrate our services that funeral homes often are in need of but don't typically know we offer.

We can offer bio-recovery and cleanup. Last week we provided service to a building where someone who lived alone passed away and was not found until several days later. Situations like that need to be handled specially and we just recently completed a week long training course to be certified in bio-recovery cleanup.

Many families are also faced with the task of moving out their loved ones' possessions. We offer pack out and move out services as well as removal of trash and cleanup of properties.

Funeral homes often find theirselves helping families grieve and get through the process respectfully. Knowing they are able to call on the SERVPRO professionals helps them grow their businesses and provide great service.

Aircraft in front of Franklin Institute to be Restored

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO aircraft restoration fire water and mold restoration

Created by Edward G. Budd, the Pioneer — the first stainless steel airplane — will be removed and transported in preparation for its restoration. It will be the first time it's been refurbished since 1969 – the one and only time the plane underwent renovations.

The two-phase restoration process could take up to two years, and the takedown is expected to take up to three days. There is no specific timeline, but The Franklin said the plane is likely to return sometime in 2017.

SERVPRO of Society Hill specializes in water damage restoration and cleaning services.  We do lots of work for the Franklin Institute facility. 

Philadelphia building is first within type to achieve LEED Platinum Certification

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

LEED Platinum Certified

A planned building in Philadelphia is expected to be the first building of its kind to achieve LEED platinum certification.  LEED certification can be silver, gold or platinum and certifies that construction materials, methods, and building energy usage are efficient and good for the environment.  The new building will use glass that can change its tint to reduce light intensity and reduce cooling expenses. 

The building contains a variety of other eco-friendly features including a heating and cooling system that saves energy by reducing the use of fans, high-efficiency LED lighting and a planted green roof that collects rainwater for reuse in cooling and irrigation systems.  These systems will also reduce groundwater runoff which can cause water damage to properties – a service that SERVPRO specializes in repairing. 

SERVPRO also has a variety of eco-friendly green cleaning chemicals that are certified green.  Using green chemicals can help the efficiency and eco-friendly score of a building of this type should they ever need restoration or cleaning work.  Call SERVPRO of Society Hill and ask about our GREEN products for your next cleaning so you can feel confident in our Green eco-friendly services. 

Louisiana Flooding Disaster leaves 40,000 homes flooded

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding in Louisiana SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration

The flooding in Louisiana has left over 40,000 homes affected by water damage.  The disaster has been declared a Federal Emergency and over 40,000 claims have been made for FEMA assistance. Thousands have been rescued from their homes as flood waters rapidly rose inside buildings.  

Officials expect standing water to remain for several days.  After flood waters recede, it becomes possible to extract standing water from buildings.  SERVPRO has elite restoration professionals who are specially trained to handle any sized disaster cleanup but specialize in a large disaster such as the flooding in Louisiana.  The team can provide help dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. Storm teams are strategically positioned on standby should a disaster strike near you.  Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

SERVPRO Sponsors the 44th Biannual Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police Conference

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

Fraternal Order of Police SERVPRO Sponsor

SERVPRO was a sponsor of the 44th Biannual Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police conference that was held at the Hilton Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.  SERVPRO of Society Hill and SERVPRO of Upper Bucks were both representing SERVPRO at the conference with a table set up in the exposition hall. 

Events for the conference included a welcome party at Sugar House Casino, a celebration at the Michael G. Lutz, Philadelphia Lodge 5 Headquarters on Monday, and our Awards Banquet on Wednesday at the Hilton Hotel.  

SERVPRO was supporting the FOP offering refreshments, information about services like bio-hazard cleanup, water damage and mold remediation.  SERVPRO supports America's law enforcement officers and it was a pleasure sponsoring the event. 

Philadelphia Summer Exhibits Not To Miss

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Art

As summer heats up in Philadelphia, the perfect way to stay cool is to check out all of the coolest museum exhibitions that the city has to offer.  There are exhibits perfect for kids, teens and adults of all ages! 

Here are some of the picks we thought were especially cool:

1. The Franklin Institute: The Science Behind Pixar.   We love The Franklin Institute. They are one of our many great customers for emergency and cleaning services but they also have great exhibitions for people of all ages.  Learning about the science behind PIXAR animated films is also a great way to spend the hottest part of the day inside and not feel bad about it.  

2. The National Constitution Center: Headed to the White House features a great exhibit that is a perfect fit during the 2016 presidential election.  

3. Inside Out curated by the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Inside out takes the concept of an art museum to the outside by featuring high-quality replicas of famous art pieces from well-known artists outside in select Philadelphia neighborhoods.  Participating neighborhoods include Old City,  Brewerytown,  and Conshohocken. 

4. Cast of Curiosities at the Magic Gardens: One of the houses that stands out the most on South Street in Philadelphia is the Magic Gardens.  It's covered in mirrors, tiles and glass art and the artwork inside is abstract and is influenced by the artist's life as a nurse.  

There are many more in the great city of Philadelphia that as a member of this community providing water damage restoration we recommend visiting.  

SERVPRO of Society Hill Completes Crime and Trauma Scene Bio-Recovery Training

8/1/2016 (Permalink)

A mock blood mattress used in Bio Recovery Training

SERVPRO of Society Hill sent technicians to attend a multi-day training for Bio-Hazard related cleanup. This training course meets and exceeds the requirements of the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA).  Our technicians successfully passed and became certified Bio Recovery Technicians.  

The training curriculum extensively covered cleanup of crime scenes, suicide and bodily decompositions. Safe and proper blood-borne pathogen cleanup is a serious business.  Clearly a service one hopes they will never require, but should the need arise you can turn to the SERVPRO professionals.

Democratic National Convention comes to Philadelphia Next Week and SERVPRO Stands at the Ready

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Convention Center, One of SERVPROs Clients hosts the 2016 National Democratic Convention

The 2016 Democratic Convention comes to Philadelphia from July 25th - July 28th and The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of SERVPRO of Society Hill's largest clients.  One of the largest buildings that SERVPRO has served, the "L" shaped building takes up four city blocks in the Market East section of downtown Philadelphia.  Boasting a total footprint of 1,000,000 square feet of multi-level convention space, the convention center has a train station where two of Philadelphia's subway lines give direct public access at 11th Street Station.  

SERVPRO responds 24/7 to building emergencies for Water and Fire damage.  We also provide more than 30 non-emergency cleaning and maintenance services such as carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, mold removal and restoration and bio-hazard cleanup.   

Philadelphia Mighty Writers Plan to Break World Record

7/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Art Museum

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, the Mighty Writers of Philadelphia are planning to break a world record for most people writing at the same time.  All they need are 3,000 kids aged 7 - 17 to gather at the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with their pens ready to write about the topic "If I Were President..." 

The event promises to have guest stars, lots of surprises and the honor of being part of history!  Mighty Writers is a Philadelphia non-profit that teaches kids to think clearly and write with clarity.  

For more information about the event visit: http://www.mightywriters.org/

Philadelphia Celebrates Independence Day Week With Free Admissions to 6 Museums

6/29/2016 (Permalink)

Six Philadelphia Museums Open for Free from the 27th - 4th of July.

If you're in Philadelphia the week of 4th of July, you'll be in town for some great museums offering free admission! Here are the museums offering free admission for the week leading up to the 4th! 

Monday: The Benjamin Franklin Museum

Wednesday: The Rodin Museum

Thursday & Saturday: The National Constitution Center

Saturday: The African American Museum

Sunday: The Barnes Foundation

Monday (July 4th): The National Museum of Jewish History

SERVPRO Sponsors Annual BOMA Golf Outing Dinner

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill Sponsors The BOMA Golf Outing Dinner and Provides Expert Restoration Services For Any Type of Property

Every year SERVPRO is one of the sponsors of the annual BOMA Golf Outing.  As a member of the Philadelphia Community, SERVPRO enjoys being a part of BOMA.  The outing took place on a beautiful golf course with perfect warm summer weather which made for a great day followed by an evening dinner sponsored by SERVPRO.  

Our table offered event attendees SERVPRO branded selfie sticks and golf kits so event attendees can snap the perfect shot on the golf course for years to come.  

SERVPRO enjoys our partnership with BOMA and enjoys providing restoration services to help fix your property and restore it back to like it never even happened.  

Philadelphia IndeGo Bike Share Sees Increased Ridership After First Year

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

IndeGo locations can be found all over the city of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's IndeGo bike share has seen growth all year and after its first birthday, has announced 300 upgraded new bikes and 24 new docking stations.  The city-owned program has been working to increase bike share availability to all neighborhoods in Philadelphia.  

“This expansion is going to every neighborhood,” said Kenney. “I would like to make the hallmark of this administration... equity in every single neighborhood. No matter what zip code you're born in, no matter what zip code you live in, the amenities you experience should be as high quality as the amenities experienced in any other zip code.”

SERVPRO of Society Hill enjoys providing emergency restoration services to the city of Philadelphia and being a member of this great community.  

Philadelphia Summer Concerts Offer Great Weekend Ideas

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Free 4th of July Concert

With some amazing festivals and artists coming to Philly this Summer, there is something for everyone.  Here are some outdoor concerts we are looking forward to this summer. 

Dolly Parton: June 15th - June 16th

An internationally renowned superstar, the iconic and irrepressible Dolly Parton comes to the Mann Center of Performing Arts. A Country Music Hall of Famer, seven-time Grammy winner, and recipient of countless other honors and awards for he Dolly Parton is the most honored female country artist of all time.

Harry Potter with the Philadelphia Orchestra: June 23rd

The Harry Potter film series continues to delight fans around the world and this world premiere concert will feature The Philadelphia Orchestra performing the songs from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film on a giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ magical score.  

4th of July Party on the Parkway

The Largest, free, outdoor concert event in America on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Independence Day. From 12pm to 5 pm is the Meet Your Neighbors Block Party with music, food, fun, and games. After, 5pm to 8pm is Concert on the Parkway – including a musical performance by Philadelphia POPS! Concluded with the Fireworks on the Parkway at 10pm.

Philadelphia Green Projects Help Reduce Basement Floodings

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

Green Storm Water Management Systems

Philadelphia's sewers were first constructed in the 1800s and then rebuilt in the early 1900s.  Since then, the city has grown with more surface area where storm runoff is diverted into the older sewers.  When a large amount of rain passes through the area, sewers are sometimes unable to handle the surge of water and it ends up escaping the system to the next highest point: your basement.  

Basement sewer overflows are one of the many worst-nightmare situations for homeowners.  SERVPRO is available 24/7 to come to your home and clean up the mess, but it's also important to find solutions to stop the problem for happening in the first place. 

That's why the Philadelphia Water Department's Storm Water Management is making strides to incorporate green storm water management systems by offering grants, programs and public works projects to protect our water supply and fix problems that cause the sewers to flood your home.  Over 1669 projects have been completed from green roofs to tree and flower planters that store storm water that the plants benefit from.  

For information to get a grant to build a green storm water management system, visit: http://www.phila.gov/water/wu/stormwater/Pages/default.aspx

Memorial Day in Philadelphia Has Events For Everyone

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Independence Hall in Philadelphia

With Philadelphia being the birthplace of the US Constitution, it's no surprise that Memorial Day in Philadelphia is packed with many different events and things that anyone can load their schedules up with to enjoy. 

From a free class of yoga along the river to a craft and flea market, there are many things residents and visitors to Philadelphia can find to do.  There is a memorial service at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Fine Art Festival and Showcase in downtown Philadelphia, Lacrosse Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field, and the ongoing Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square.  

No matter what, there will be something for everyone.  On behalf of SERVPRO of Society Hill, we wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day! 

For more information on events, visit: http://vstphl.ly/1F0SwSF

SERVPRO attends Phillyman Jerseyman Magazine Networking Event

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Jerseyman Phillyman Magazine

SERVPRO attendants many networking events throughout the year and on May 18th we attended the Phillyman/Jerseyman event at the Sugarhouse Casino.  

We were in the company of many great professionals throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia and we appreciate all the new contacts we made in the community.  Being in the company of great people and good food made for a great night of networking in the Greater Philadelphia Tristate Area!

Urban Gardens in Philadelphia on the Rise to Improve Neighborhoods

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Community Garden

Gardening is a relaxing springtime hobby where the literal fruits of your labor are equally rewarding as they are delicious.  With the limited green space available in most Philadelphia urban homes, many people may wish to join a local community garden which is a trend that has been growing as our communities develop.  Community gardens benefit the community by bringing neighbors together and provide fresh and local food for better health.  

The Philadelphia Horticulture society sponsors many programs such as the City Harvest Program and LandCare Program which aim to provide community enrichment by transforming vacant lots to vibrant, beautiful greener neighborhood assets.  Other benefits result in better management of storm water runoff; reducing the chances of flood damage in your home.

To find a local community garden near you, visit http://phsonline.org/programs/garden-tenders/community-gardens-map

Philadelphia Summer Weekend Events Kick Off

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia™

With the warm air of summer steadily approaching comes with it Philadelphia’s planned outdoor community events!  This week, on the 4th and 5th of May we’ve seen the Rittenhouse Square Flower Market where 100% of the proceeds benefit children’s organizations. 

Up next this Saturday, May 7^th is the South Street Spring Festival. The free, all-ages festival will span a total of 12-plus city blocks – three more than last year – that will be lined with 125 vendors, 30-plus participating restaurants, 40 bands, 3 stages, 7 performance areas and a ton of family-friendly fun.

 For more info visit: http://southstreet.com/spring-fest-2016/

9TH ANNUAL PHILLY SPRING CLEANUP

4/5/2016 (Permalink)

Join us on Philly Cleanup Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016, 9AM – 2PM

http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/philly-spring-cleanup

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Celebrate Summer Safely

7/15/2014 (Permalink)

With summer in full swing with barbecues every weekend and camping trips set, SERVPRO of Society Hill wanted to share a few safety methods to keep your barbecues fire free and trips enjoyable:

• When using charcoal, don’t forget to use the proper starter fluids

• Gas Grills – check to make sure the hose connections are property hooked up and tightened

• When starting a camp fire, remember to build the fire downwind, and remember to make sure the fire is smothered before going to sleep!

SERVPRO of Society Hill wishes you all a happy and safe summer!

For Immediate Services, Call SERVPRO of Society Hill

6/2/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill Professionals provide fire and water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of Society Hill proudly serves Philadelphia, Bella Vista Philadelphia, Grays Ferry Philadelphia, Center City Philadelphia, University City Philadelphia, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commerical structure caused by:

• Water Damage
• Fire Damage
• Disaster,storm and flood damage
• Mold Damage

2014 Flooding in Philadelphia

5/5/2014 (Permalink)

This was the result of heavy flooding in Manayunk Philadelphia, PA. This storm hit quickly and flooded many homes and cars with mud and water. SERVPRO responded and helped restore units.

Spring Cleaning in Philadelphia

3/20/2014 (Permalink)

SPRING IS HERE! SERVPRO offers a wide variety of cleaning including, carpet cleaning, duct and HVAC cleaning, and upholstery cleaning. Allergies will start to increase during this time of year. Call SERVPRO of Society Hill and SERVPRO of Burlington/Mt. Holly for all your SPRING cleaning needs! 215.772.1203 

Water Damage

3/18/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage

When you have a water damage, dont leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO professionals to help make it, Like it never even happened®. 

SERVPRO earns 5th consecutive year on Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Franchise List

1/31/2014 (Permalink)

Cleanup and restoration franchisor locks in #7 position on prestigious annual ranking

Frozen/Broken Pipes Cleanup in Philadelphia

1/9/2014 (Permalink)

As the temperatures drop this winter, we've already seen many pipes start to break. If this happens to you or your business, keep SERVPRO in mind. Our professionals are standing by ready to help! 

Be Ready in 2014

12/31/2013 (Permalink)

A new year often signifies a fresh start. Many people make resolution to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster but, now you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens." 

Contact us today to establish your Emergency Ready Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens." 215.772.1203 

2013 6th Annual Golf Classic

9/19/2013 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Philadelphia Regional Franchises and guest enjoyed a wonderful golf outing on Monday September 16th at Commonwealth National Golf Club

The SERVPRO Philadelphia Regional Franchises and guest enjoyed a wonderful golf outing on Monday September 16th at Commonwealth National Golf Club! As always, SERVPRO is committed to providing the highest standards of excellence to businesses and homeowners in the communities we serve. All proceeds from this event will be presented to the Foundation to continue their tradition of excellence in Alzheimer’s care, education and research.

Preparedness for Business Owners and Managers

9/9/2013 (Permalink)

As you may already know, September is National Preparedness Month.  Use this time to set an example for your community by creating an Emergency Ready Plan.  As a Business Owner or Manager having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees and its infrastructure, and maximize your chance of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

For more information, check out these sites:

• http://www.servprosocietyhill.com/


• http://www.ready.gov/business


• http://www.readyrating.org/

Back to School Cleaning

8/20/2013 (Permalink)

Helping local schools focus on education!

SERVPRO of Society Hill is here to assist with any back to school cleaning projects! We recently completed a detail cleaning that has a strict deadline. We had crews working around the clock during the weekend to complete the cleaning in time!

Home Depot Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

7/29/2013 (Permalink)

2013 Home Depot Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

Over the weekend, we participated with the local Home Depot, Red Cross & FEMA demonstrating safety procedures in the event of a hurricane.

Preparation is the best protection against the danger of Hurricanes. These strong stoms can be life-threatening and cause servious damage with high winds, flooding and tornadoes..

Hurricane Checklist can be found here:

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340128_Flood.pdf

Celebrating the 4th of July Safely

6/28/2013 (Permalink)

Happy 4th of July!

SERVPRO Restoration Newsline

The fourth of July is a time to celebrate with friends and family. In order to celebrate safely, consider the following tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

• The best way to enjoy fireworks


• Is to view displays put on by professionals


• If  you plan to use fireworks


• Ensure they are legal in your area


• Always read the directions and warning labels


• If a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it.


• Supervise children around


• Fireworks at all times


• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks


• If a firework does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate, Pour water over it and dispose of it.

Emergency Ready Profile

6/14/2013 (Permalink)

If your property hasn’t created an Emergency Ready Profile, contact us toda

SERVPRO has developed an Emergency Ready Profile application that is specific to your company and your needs. SERVPRO of Society Hill will manage the creation of this profile for each of your locations. A representative will visit each location and gather the necessary information needed and integrate this information into the company plan. This profile will hold the key contact information on who to contact in the event of an emergency.

What to expect:

•  A dedicated SERVPRO of Society Hill representative will be assigned to your company


•     A SERVPRO of Society Hill representative will perform an onsite inspection and interview


•  An online account will be created using the login & password of your choice


• Once all necessary information compiled and entered, in addition to online & mobile access you will receive a hard copy & flash drive version.

Going Social

5/15/2013 (Permalink)

Available 24/7 215-772-1203

We are excited to extend our network! We can be found on Twitter,LinkedIn, Facebook & Youtube. If you would like us to follow you on any of these, please just let us know!

Philadelphia Building Managers and Operators Association

4/30/2013 (Permalink)

Equipment to respond 24/7

We recently sponsored this event with the surrounding SERVPRO's at the Navy Yard. If there is ever a large fire/water damage we have equipment and capibilties to response quickly.